Five graduate students from NC State University’s College of Natural Resources, along with seven Extension professionals, recently participated in the Broadening Extension through Student Training (BEST) program—an innovative professional development initiative hosted at Pennsylvania State University, May 27-30, 2025. This program is designed to broaden participants’ understanding of Cooperative Extension and support career development in this vital field.

Photo of BEST group, including Penn State and NC State students and Extension professionals.

Over the course of four days, participants engaged in a variety of educational activities, including lectures, breakout sessions, field tours, and networking events. The curriculum focused on the history and mission of Extension, methods of program development and delivery, and strategies for evaluating impact. Students had the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned Extension professionals from both Penn State and NC State, gaining insight into the diverse career paths and opportunities available within the Extension system.

A key component of the program was a capstone project that required participants to develop a logic model for a hypothetical Extension program of their own design. This exercise allowed students to apply newly acquired knowledge in a practical setting, encouraging thoughtful planning and a deeper understanding of the program development lifecycle. Upon completion of the capstone and all program sessions, students received a certificate recognizing their successful completion of 20 hours of professional training.

Photo of NC State group at BEST. From left to right: Delany Serpan, Savannah Moore, Kurt Smith, Robert Bardon, Jameson Boone, Sonia Preisser Rubio, Sarah Cain, Jenn Fawcett, Clarisse Owens, and Ann Morgan Hawthorne. Not pictured: Carla Barberi and Renee Strnad

This pilot offering of the BEST program marks the first time it has been made available to students at NC State’s College of Natural Resources. Reflecting on the experience, Ann Morgan Hawthorne, an M.S. student in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, shared:

“I really enjoyed learning about a different state’s Cooperative Extension program and interacting with professionals from both NC State and Penn State. It’s given me a broader perspective and showed me how I can tailor my interests and experience to fit within many areas of Extension. I’m especially grateful to NC State Extension Forestry for making this opportunity possible.”

Delaney Serpan, a Ph.D. student in Forestry and Entomology, also praised the experience:

“The program was incredibly helpful for someone new to Extension. It was insightful to hear from professionals across institutions and to learn how they apply their expertise in different ways.”

For many students, the BEST program served as either an introduction to Extension or a chance to deepen their engagement before entering the workforce. The feedback highlights the program’s role in preparing students for future careers in this field.

Photo of Dr. Robert Bardon presenting about NC State Extension at BEST program at Pennsylvania State University.

As a land-grant institution, NC State University is committed to the mission of Extension—translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across North Carolina. Programs like BEST exemplify this mission by investing in the next generation of Extension leaders, equipping them with the knowledge, experience, and professional networks they need to succeed.

Dr. Robert Bardon, Associate Dean of Extension in NC State’s College of Natural Resources and a 29-year Extension veteran, emphasized the value of the BEST program in preparing graduate students for meaningful roles in Cooperative Extension.

“The BEST program offers graduate students a timely and unique opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the role and impact of Extension,” Bardon said. “It fills a critical gap in their knowledge of the land-grant mission by highlighting the integration of teaching, research, and Extension. Through a structured curriculum, hands-on activities, and mentorship, students develop a deeper appreciation for Extension and its relevance. This experience lays a strong foundation for cultivating the next generation of Extension professionals.”

The program also benefited from the perspective of early-career Extension professionals, such as Sarah Cain, Extension Associate in Wildland and Prescribed Fire. With just five months of professional Extension experience, Cain participated to provide insight that she wished she had received as a graduate student.

“It was something I really wanted to give back with, regarding what Extension has given me so far,” Cain explained. “I attended two land-grant universities as a student, but never heard about Extension until graduate school. I was in these participants’ shoes not long ago, so I wanted to offer my perspective as someone just starting out in Extension and support a program that gives students the exposure and opportunities I didn’t have. That was really important to me.”

Throughout the program, faculty and staff from NC State and Penn State also used group lunch sessions to discuss collaborative opportunities, including potential future programming and funding strategies. Based on the success of this year’s event, discussions are already underway to bring a similar BEST program to NC State in 2026.