After 100 Years, University Of Illinois Extension Continues To Evolve

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the University of Illinois Extension. The extension began in 1914 when Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act that established extension services at the nation’s land-grant universities.

A big part of the Extension’s focus has been on agricultural outreach and support. There were also extension programs on home economics and food preservation that were designed to help rural families. However, the U of I Extension has shifted its focus over the last century to meet the needs of a diverse population. 

Illinois Public Media’s Sean Powers recently talked about some of those changes with U of I Extension Director George Czapar.