This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, the event that officially created the national Cooperative Extension System.

The Smith-Lever Act codified into federal law, and provided funding for, outreach education at the Land-Grant universities founded by the Morrill Act of 1862, expanding the vocational, agricultural, and home demonstration programs in rural America.

The purpose of the Smith-Lever Act was as follows: “In order to aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to agriculture, uses of solar energy with respect to agriculture, home economics, and rural energy, and to encourage the application of the same, there may be continued or inaugurated in connection with the college of colleges in each State, Territory, or possession.”

The funding established by the Smith-Lever Act, and subsequent amendments, was unique, setting up a shared partnership among the Federal, State, and County levels of government.

In addition to the Smith-Lever Act, other legislative actions make possible today’s organization of Extension work. Act 142 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly was the original legislation that established the tie to county government. This legislation granted county commissioners permission to fund cooperative extension’s work in the county and provide office space and facilities. Act 12 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly identified Penn State as the recipient and executor of the Smith-Lever Act in Pennsylvania. Today, these legislative ties continue to define the funding partnership that includes the U.S. Department of Agriculture, state, and county governments.

For many, Penn State Extension is associated with agriculture. For others, the 4-H program is the key to recognition. In reality, these program areas are only a part of the total system and the opportunities provided to the citizens of Butler County and Pennsylvania.

Penn State Extension is an educational network that gives people in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties access to Penn State’s resources and expertise.

Through the county-based partnership, Penn State extension educators, faculty, and local volunteers work together to share practical how-to education, information, and technical expertise based on science and research, with local residents.

Penn State Cooperative Extension helps individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Pennsylvania with information and a broad range of education programs designed to:

• Support productive, profitable, and competitive businesses and a strong agriculture and food system

• Strengthen families, youth, and the elderly

• Build caring, safe, and healthy communities

• Ensure the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

The program opportunities are diverse, but share a common goal, to help the citizens of Pennsylvania and Butler County make informed decisions that contribute to healthy, successful communities.

For more information about Penn State Extension, call 724-287-4761 or e-mail butlerext@psu.edu.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.