The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) has relied from its beginning on the empowerment model of education for families.
CSREES is community based and problem focused. As a public-funded, informal system linking education and research, it combines resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 74 land grant universities, and more than 3,000 county-level offices. Extension educators are guided by the CSREES mission: "Helping people improve their lives through an educational process that uses scientific knowledge focused on issues and needs."
CSREES brings communities together and builds networks with public and private organizations to deliver educational programs that focus on critical needs and issues. It is highly accessible to the public because of its outreach base in both rural and urban areas.
The belief that the family is the most effective and efficient unit for building a competent society is the foundation for CSREES family programs. Education empowers individuals and families to apply practices that result in increased capacity and enhanced well-being. The Family Development and Resource Management component of CSREES helps families develop the skills needed to nurture, support, and guide members; grow in economic security; and contribute to and be supported by caring communities.
CSREES youth development programs demonstrate continuing success, reaching approximately 5.6 million youth yearly. Increasing evidence that youth are at risk from poverty, lack of family support, and negative peer pressure led CSREES to focus on programs for the most risk-susceptible youth. The Youth At-Risk initiative committed resources to prevention and intervention programs that address eight critical educational needs:
A second initiative, "Plight of Young Children," committed Extension resources to collaborative community outreach to meet the needs of limited resource families with young children. Comprehensive education to improve skills in nutrition, resource management, and parenting through community-based organizations is a critical component of this work.
CSREES envisions American communities where children and youth lead positive, secure, and happy lives while developing the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to lead fulfilling, contributing adult lives. To move toward this vision, CSREES has blended resources and strategies to strengthen families in the context of their communities.
The Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk Initiative marshals the resources of the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service to collaborate with other organizations. They work together to develop and deliver educational programs that help at-risk families and youth lead positive, productive, contributing lives.