Extension

We are a leader in the development and delivery of innovative educational and applied research programs that meet the needs of targeted audiences and stakeholders in the 254 counties in Texas, regionally and nationally. We work to develop leaders, empower rural communities and help drive organizational change through program development, measurement and evaluation across the state.

Our team in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides human resources development to state and county Extension professionals. In addition to onboarding new faculty, specialists and agents, our team of experts provides continuous professional development on state-of-the-art Extension program development and instructional development and communication strategies. This team also drives three statewide leadership programs including the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, the Governor Dolf Briscoe, Jr. Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Program and the Texas Rural Leadership Program.

Program Areas

Employee Development and Continuous Learning

Employee Development seeks to serve professionals in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service throughout their entire career. Beginning with Discover Extension, Extension’s statewide orientation, and 8-weeks of continued training at Connections Workshops, employees are setup for success with knowledge of the organization. Support continues through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and coaching programs, and more. Employee Development strives to be a one-stop shop for helping Extension employees achieve personal and professional growth.

Community Engagement

Community is at the heart of our work in Extension. Without thoroughly knowing your communities it will be very difficult to be successful. Our work in this area is focused on working with Extension faculty to better know your communities and assist in the problem-solving process.

Developing Educational Programs

Our programs are our products. In such, developing programs is very similar to how products are developed. The focus of this area includes developing and implementing programs, volunteer development, and teaching effectiveness.

Leadership Programs

Various leadership programs are housed within the department. These include the Texas Rural Leadership Program, the V.G. Young Institute of County Government, the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leaders program, and the SALE-Extension Leadership Program.

Dr. Jim Mazurkiwiecz talking at podium with painting on display next to him

Find an Extension Expert

We have Extension personnel in College Station and across the state developing programs and resources to empower youth, rural citizens and local leaders to lead and make decisions for their communities and organizations.

Extension Faculty

Extension Staff

Outreach Efforts and Flagship Programs

Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr., Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) Program

The Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr., Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership (TALL) is a competitive leadership development program that includes seminars with experts, on-site tours, meetings with business and government leaders, international study and personal skills improvement. The TALL program is designed for men and women in the early stages of their leadership careers. Participants come from every sector of agriculture and all parts of Texas.

Learn about the TALL Program

San Antonio Leadership Extension Program (SALE)

SALE provides a comprehensive leadership development program that will enable Extension professionals in leadership and management to greatly enhance their abilities to work more effectively and efficiently in the management of programs and volunteers in both youth and adult areas. These skills are transferred to the volunteers, adult and youth to assist them in expanding their skills to reach more adults and youth in the country.

Learn more about SALE

Texas Rural Leadership Program

The Texas Rural Leadership Program utilizes its network of rural service providers to assist local communities with strategic planning, vision mapping, and project funding proposals. This program puts power in the hands of local citizens through new knowledge, changed attitudes and dedicated skills by providing leadership development opportunities, customized programs, workshops and trainings for underserved and rural Texas communities.

Learn ore about the Texas Rural Leadership Program

V.G. Young Institute of County Government

The V.G. Young Institute of County Government, part of The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, provides continuing education for elected county officials across Texas. The Institute offers continuing education for county judges and commissioners and county tax assessor-collectors to help them plan relevant and effective educational programs for their units. The V.G. Young Institute also provides advanced training and certificates through the Commissioners Court Advanced Curriculum (CCAC) Program and the Commissioner’s Court Leadership Academy.

Learn more about the V.G. Young Institute of County Government

ALEC Extension News

TALL Program selects 26 new participants

The TALL Program has named 26 new professionals to Cohort XVIII for 2022-2024. Participants are represented from a cross section of professional interests including traditional crop producers, ranchers, bankers and attorneys, as well as those who work in lumber, food processing, agricultural corporations and horticultural industries from all geographic regions of Texas.

TALL Program selects 26 new participants

Newest group of agency professionals selected for SALE’s XV cohort

The San Antonio Leadership Extension program, SALE, of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, a comprehensive leadership development program, recently selected 23 agency professionals to participate in the comprehensive training program for AgriLife Extension professionals.

Newest group of agency professionals selected for SALE’s XV cohort

Browse our Resources on AgriLife Learn

We develop top-tier educational content, materials, and multimedia including online courses and publications to help our stakeholders make informed decisions.