Our Mission

Engaging people to strengthen their lives and communities through research-based educational programming.

Our Vision

OSU Extension is a dynamic educational entity that partners with individuals, families, communities, business and industry, and organizations to strengthen the lives of Ohioans. As Extension educations, we:

• Focus on critical economic, environmental, leadership, and youth and family issues.
• Engage people in lifelong learning.
• Apply knowledge and practical research to the diverse needs and interests of Ohioans in rural, suburban, and urban communities.
• Extend resources of The Ohio State University
• Recruit and develop volunteers to multiply Extension's efforts while developing their leadership potential.
• Enhance teamwork through networking and connectedness.
• Link youth, family, and community needs to scholars in Ohio and nationwide.
• Teach with cutting-edge strategies using new technologies and approaches.

Wayne County was established in 1796 and named for General "Mad Anthony" Wayne. The county occupies 555.4 square miles, with a population of approximately 111,500 (2000 census). The county seat is in Wooster, a city of 24,800 people (2000 census).

Wayne County leads the state of Ohio in the number of dairy herds (146 in 2006).   Agriculture and its related businesses are an important part of Wayne County's economy, but other retail, manufacturing and service businesses offer a wide range of employment and a good quality of life.

Ohio State University Extension serves the residents of Wayne County by sharing research-based information in four primary program areas:

• 4-H Youth Development
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Community Development
• Family & Consumer Sciences