Why Your Voice Matters: Helping Shape Extension Programs Through Research

Josemiguel Gomez
Jul 23
2 min read

Oklahoma State University is leading a study to better understand how Native American communities in Oklahoma view their relationship with Cooperative Extension programs. If you’ve ever attended a workshop, training, or event through Extension, your input matters—and it can help shape the future of these programs to better reflect Native values and needs.

What Are Cooperative Extension Programs?

Cooperative Extension programs are educational services offered through land-grant universities like OSU. They provide free or low-cost resources on things like farming, gardening, health, youth development, nutrition, and more. Many of these programs are offered through partnerships with Tribal communities and aim to support local knowledge, self-sufficiency, and well-being.

If you’ve taken part in programs like 4-H, agricultural workshops, health classes, or food preservation trainings—you’ve likely participated in an Extension program.

Why This Kind of Study Is Important

When research is guided by Native voices, it leads to meaningful change. According to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), community-led research helps ensure that “tribal communities have ownership over the data and can use it to support culturally appropriate solutions.”

Source: NCAI Policy Research Center, www.ncai.org/prc

By participating, you help ensure Extension programs are more respectful, effective, and aligned with the needs of Native communities across Oklahoma.

What to Expect

You’ll be asked to take part in an activity where you rank a set of statements based on your views. It takes about 45 to 60 minutes. There’s also an optional follow-up interview if you want to share more.

To take part, you must: