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 Matthews Volunteer Scholarship
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:
Statewide Contact: Marla Lowder, 4-H Program Chair, 907-474-2427, email: fnmkl1@uaf.edu.
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.
Contact: Julie Riley, Statewide Master Gardener Coordinator, 907-786-6300, email: afjar@uaa.alaska.edu
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!
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.
Contact: Jamie Nielsen, Statewide Invasive Plants Agent, 907-786-6315, email: fnjms2@uaf.edu
Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP)
Both EFNEP and FSNEP 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: Marci Johnson, Statewide Home Economics Program Assistant, 1-888-823-3663, email: anmjj@uaa.alaska.edu
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.
Contact: Marci Johnson, Statewide Home Economics Program Assistant, 1-888-823-3663, email: anmjj@uaa.alaska.edu