Volunteering with Extension

Volunteers are a valuable part of UAF Extension. They are integral to the development and delivery of programs. Though volunteers are essential assets to Extension programming, many volunteers also find the experience invaluable.
 
By volunteering you will: meet new people, improve your community, teach a child, build your resume, learn a skill, and have fun! UAF Extension offers numerous ways to volunteer your time and resources.
 

Scholarship for Volunteers: James W. Matthews Volunteer Scholarship 

Please note: applications are now due ONCE per year with a submission date of Nov. 1.
 
Purpose
The James W. Matthews Extension Volunteer Leadership Development Fund is established as a funding resource for Extension volunteers in Alaska, interested in building leadership credentials.
 
"Volunteers have been an extremely important part of the Extension educational system throughout its history. It is hoped that this fund can be a catalyst to encourage them to take advantage of leadership training opportunities in which they otherwise might not be able to participate." - James W. Matthews
 
Other Volunteer Opportunities
4-H
4-H is an organization that emphasizes youth learning and growing in citizenship, leadership, and life skills. Do you have a skill that you would like to share with others? Contact your local agent to see how you can get involved and share your knowledge!
 
Resources:

Information for 4-H Volunteers

Statewide Contact:

Marla Lowder, State 4-H Program Leader, 907-474-6356, mklowder@alaska.edu
 
Master Gardeners
Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who aid Cooperative Extension Service staff by helping people in the community better understand horticulture and their environment. For additional information, click here.
 
Junior Master Gardeners
Junior Master Gardener program is an innovative youth gardening project that needs volunteer leaders. It is modeled after the highly popular Master Gardener program and offers horticulture and environmental science education to youth through fun and creative activities. The JMG curriculum can be used through 4-H, after school programs, in school programs, scouts, etc. Contact your local Extension Office or visit the Junior Master Gardeners’ website to learn more!
 
Invasive Plant Management
Participation in community weed-pulling events increases community awareness, and provides management options for invasive species which pose serious threats to health, the environment and the economy. Volunteers work with state, federal, and private agencies to contain and eradicate infestations. Community weed pull events take place all over Alaska during the summer months.
 
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Alaska Nutrition Education Program (ANEP)
Both EFNEP and ANEP are grant-funded programs that target low-income constituents. Educators promote healthy diet decisions and informed consumerism. Volunteers can help by working with staff to prepare public presentations.
 
Resources:

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program National Site

Contact: Adrian Kohrt, Family Nutrition Program coordinator; 907-474-7930, amkohrt@alaska.edu.
 
Master Food Preservers
Master Food Preservers are volunteers trained by Extension agents in food safety and preservation. Volunteers can help by working with staff to prepare presentations and be resources to the public about safe food handling techniques.