About
About CSU Extension
Where university meets community
For more than 100 years, Colorado State University Extension has connected Coloradans to actionable, research-based solutions, programming, services, and expertise across a wide range of topic areas. As part of CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension, Extension fulfills the university’s land-grant mission and our shared purpose of making the University’s educational offerings and resources accessible to all.
Extension specialists serve all 64 counties in Colorado, working alongside communities to address local needs, share knowledge, and co-create solutions to help individuals and communities thrive.
History of CSU Extension
CSU Extension has built a legacy of service and outreach, working alongside communities for more than a century to deliver education, drive innovation, and create lasting impacts across Colorado.
1862
Lincoln Signs Morrill Act
President Abraham Lincoln signs the Morrill Act, laying the foundation for land-grant universities focused on agriculture, science, and public service.
1902
4-H is Created
4-H initially started as a youth agriculture program in Ohio. The ‘clover’ emblem was designed in 1910, and by 1912 they were officially called 4-H clubs.
1912
First Extension Agent
Logan County hires first Farm Management Extension Agent, D.C. Bascom. Other counties including El Paso, Pueblo, Mesa, Boulder, Morgan and Prowers, and the San Luis Valley would follow.
1914
Smith-Lever Act
4-H is nationalized, and CSU Extension officially becomes part of the Cooperative Extension Service.
1975
Colorado Master Gardener
CSU Extension established the Colorado Master Gardener program to provide research-based horticultural education and strengthen community outreach through trained volunteers.
Present
Serving All 64 Counties
CSU Extension now serves all 64 Colorado counties, delivering statewide access to trusted, research-based education and resources.
Find your local Extension office
Answers are as close as your nearest county Extension office. When you’re looking for research-based, useful information, make your first stop CSU Extension.
Call or email your nearest county Extension office for more information. Let CSU Extension help you improve the quality of life for your family and your community.
Community needs assessment
At the foundation of our work is an understanding of evolving community needs and our roles as a partner working and innovating with Coloradans to co-create knowledge and science-informed solutions.
In 2026 we are launching a statewide community needs assessment to learn more about changing local community needs and to identify the potential areas of highest-priority education, research, and partnership, as well as inform future programming. The survey is planned to include a statewide survey; secondary data review; and community conversation opportunities. Learn more about the survey process.
Our last statewide needs assessment was conducted in 2020 and identified the need for expanding Extension’s work in health programming and resources around the state.