The Cooperative Extension System (CES) is a nationwide, community-based education network established in 1914 through the Smith-Lever Act. It is built on a unique partnership among federal, state, and local governments, with land-grant universities playing a central role. This collaborative model ensures that CES remains responsive to local needs while drawing on the research and expertise of a national system.
CES is rooted in non-formal education and community engagement. Programs are designed to be accessible, practical, and responsive to real-world issues faced by individuals, families, businesses, and communities. Key characteristics include locally driven programs that are tailored to meet the specific needs of communities, Research-based initiatives that are grounded in the latest scientific and academic knowledge from Rutgers University, Community-focused work in public outreach, civic engagement, and participatory problem-solving, and inclusive and lifelong learning opportunities designed for learners of all ages, outside traditional classrooms.
RCE traditionally delivers programs in several core areas, which may vary by county but include: Agriculture & Natural Resources that support sustainable practices, food systems, and land stewardship; 4-H Youth Development for building leadership, citizenship, and life skills in the youth of New Jersey; Family & Community Health Sciences that promote health, nutrition, financial literacy, and family well-being, and Community & Economic Development to strengthen local economies and civic infrastructure of our state.
RCE exemplifies the land-grant concept of translating scientific research findings into practical information for the public. Extension educators, supported by a large network of volunteers, work with local stakeholders to identify needs and develop educational programs that are delivered through workshops, webinars, publications, and other media. Extension programs are regularly evaluated to ensure they are relevant, effective, and meet the needs of the community.
The leadership of Rutgers Cooperative Extension directs and assists in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs at the local and state levels. We address a wide range of topics, from building relationships within communities, to aiding in process and outcome evaluations, to reporting success stories to stakeholders.
Our mission engages and serves New Jersey’s diverse communities. Increasing diversity and inclusion leads to more innovative solutions to address emerging needs in an increasingly complex world. Our faculty, staff, and volunteers reflect the values of service to changing demographic trends in communities with traditionally underserved populations.
For over 150 years, the relationship between Rutgers University as the land-grant institution of New Jersey has led to historical discoveries and agricultural achievements for our state and its residents.
Soil testing and plant diagnostic services are located on the G. H. Cook Campus. These laboratories provide New Jersey citizens with diagnoses of plant problems and chemical and mechanical analyses of soil. Their mission is to provide such services in an accurate and timely manner to meet the increasing agricultural and environmental needs of the State. These goals are achieved in cooperation with faculty and staff at NJAES
Hosted by Rachel Lyons and Kathleen Howell, the Extension 360 podcast highlights the programs of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the people that make them possible. Through engaging interviews with faculty and staff—including agents, educators, and researchers—the podcast explores the impact that RCE has on the daily lives of the citizens of New Jersey.
Did you know you can volunteer with Rutgers Cooperative Extension? Whether you are interested in youth development, horticulture, urban forestry, environmental protection, green infrastructure, marine ecology, food and nutrition, or food preservation, there is an opportunity for you in our Extension family.
Raising the visibility of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences expertise and resources available to address issues affecting urban residents and their communities.