Spring Break
COES is Proud to Serve the District
By Howard McCullough - Managing EditorIssue date: 11/5/08 Section: News
Community Outreach and Extension Services (COES) of the University of the District of Columbia is working diligently as a part of the only totally urban land grant institution in the nation. Being an urban land grant institution means that UDC is legislatively required to teach and train, conduct relevant research, and extend beneficial information to District residents and the University receives funding by USDA. COES contains two key units that support this mission, the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) which focuses on research and Cooperative Extension Service (CES) which extends beneficial information to District residents. Both entities focus on important urban issues, including health and nutrition, environment and natural resources, the community and economic development and youth development.
AES researches problems pertinent to the District's residents, urban dwellers. Research topics include, but are not limited to, health and nutrition, youth violence, cancer, diabetes and obesity. "Our mission basically is to, work harmoniously with District residents on issues and problems that are germane to the urban area" says Dr. Gloria Wyche-Moore, Dean of COES. Wyche-Moore continues to state "Our programs are basically designed to help District residents improve their quality of life through research, programs and publications." AES encourages environmental stewardship and agriculture awareness through annual programs conducted at UDC's 143 acre Muirkirk farm. D.C. Public school students are brought to the farm to experience an alternative learning environment, understand sustainable agriculture, environmental management, math, science, interpersonal communication, team building and more. The Station recently participated in the University's Summer Green Jobs Training Program in 2008. AES staff presented training in agriculture, the environment, and landscaping at the farm.
AES has offered other programs including Water Environmental Studies in Schools Teacher Training Institute (WESS-TTI) an institute designed to train teachers how to educate middle school students about agriculture and the environment. Standing in the Gap (STING), another past program, was designed to combat today's adult literacy crisis. Currently, the National Youth Sports Program provides mentors and educates young people between the ages of 10 and 16 on sports.
AES researches problems pertinent to the District's residents, urban dwellers. Research topics include, but are not limited to, health and nutrition, youth violence, cancer, diabetes and obesity. "Our mission basically is to, work harmoniously with District residents on issues and problems that are germane to the urban area" says Dr. Gloria Wyche-Moore, Dean of COES. Wyche-Moore continues to state "Our programs are basically designed to help District residents improve their quality of life through research, programs and publications." AES encourages environmental stewardship and agriculture awareness through annual programs conducted at UDC's 143 acre Muirkirk farm. D.C. Public school students are brought to the farm to experience an alternative learning environment, understand sustainable agriculture, environmental management, math, science, interpersonal communication, team building and more. The Station recently participated in the University's Summer Green Jobs Training Program in 2008. AES staff presented training in agriculture, the environment, and landscaping at the farm.
AES has offered other programs including Water Environmental Studies in Schools Teacher Training Institute (WESS-TTI) an institute designed to train teachers how to educate middle school students about agriculture and the environment. Standing in the Gap (STING), another past program, was designed to combat today's adult literacy crisis. Currently, the National Youth Sports Program provides mentors and educates young people between the ages of 10 and 16 on sports.
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