Extension Needs Assessment
Assessment Summary
To help inform and guide strategic directions of OSU Extension and contribute to OSU’s goal of being a preeminent land-grant university, a statewide needs assessment was conducted to determine Oklahomans’ knowledge, perceptions and usage of OSU Extension programs, resources, and services and identify current and future needs from OSU Extension. Two statewide surveys of more than 1,200 Oklahoma residents were conducted in October and November 2024.
Survey Results Surveys were conducted with two samples: a random sample of 600 Oklahoma residents (General Population Sample) and a sample of 645 individuals reached through the network of county, area and district OSU Extension educators and specialists (OSU Extension Network Sample).
Key Findings Results from the Extension survey reveal trends, needs and areas for program improvement.
When asked to rank the most important areas, programs or resources for OSU Extension focus in the next five years, the highest priorities were youth development, locally grown foods (including small farms), and health and wellness.
Specific programs of high importance for continued support among all respondents are soil and water testing, 4-H and agricultural programs. The general population sample ranked certifications and community nutrition in their top five, whereas the Extension network sample prioritized county Extension offices and county educators.
The Extension network sample, representing traditional and current clientele, preferred receiving information from OSU Extension through in-person meetings/workshops/classes, online fact sheets and in-person county office visits/consultations. The general population sample preferred receiving information from OSU Extension through online videos, email and online courses.
Results show that while knowledge of OSU Extension was low, knowledge and use of specific programs, such as 4-H and Oklahoma Gardening TV is higher, suggesting an opportunity to better brand OSU Extension and connect popular programs with OSU Extension.