Follow any road in Tennessee and you'll find people whose lives have been influenced by Extension's educational programs. They help people solve problems and lead richer, fuller lives. Agents are the two-way link between Tennesseans, both urban and rural, and university specialists, scientists and researchers. Education is Extension's goal. Approximately 16,000 professional Extension agents, employed in counties across America, are teaching citizens how to have better homes, farms and communities. Four hundred of these agents live and work in Tennessee, where they initiate, create and conduct educational programs for people who want to help themselves to an improved quality of life. Each county office of The University of Tennessee Extension is staffed with agents who are college graduates in agriculture and/or family and consumer sciences. These highly trained professionals are able to provide information on a variety of subjects, ranging from landscaping to nutrition, from animal health to family money management. These programs are available to all county residents. Extension also gives special attention to youth. Challenges facing Tennessee's young people are greater than ever before. Extension's 4-H youth development program helps youth from 9 to 19 develop self-esteem, leadership and citizenship skills, and gain knowledge in a wide range of subjects. From health to public speaking, from wildlife to photography, 4-H brings tomorrow's world to today's youth, and encourages advanced education. Tennessee 4-H clubs have continually produced national winners in project competition, and Tennessee has one of the largest 4-H memberships in the nation.
