Purdue Health and Human Services Educator Shannon Shepherd helps students in Jennifer Szynal’s fifth grade class with a word search during a “Captain Cash” session at Milford Elementary School. Pictured from left are Rayliana Hayes, Kensington Kephart, Shepherd and Emma Comer. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

By Lilli Dwyer
InkFreeNews

Found in all 92 Indiana counties, the Purdue Extension has a wide reach. It facilitates 4-H activities for kids around the state, and anyone looking to become a Master Gardener or Master Cattleman receives their training from Purdue Extension. Community members may also find Purdue Extension educational programs being held in local libraries, schools and other public facilities.

Kosciusko County Extension Director Andrew Ferrell describes the extension as, “a service provided by Purdue University that extends research-based knowledge and educational resources to local communities. It aims to help individuals, families, and communities improve their lives through practical education in areas, such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community development.”

Ferrell, who has been with the extension for the past 3 and a half years, has something of a passion for unique learning opportunities.

“I got interested because I enjoy working with youth and want to help them find an interest in something unrelated to the rigors and standards of the classroom,” he explained.

However, extension programs are not limited to youth offerings. Ferrell also stated that while agriculture is a significant focus for Purdue Extension, they cover a wide array of topics.

“The goal is to provide comprehensive support to improve the overall quality of life for Indiana residents,” he said.

There are four main branches of programming: agriculture and natural resources, which deals with conservation, farming, gardening and pest management; health and human sciences, with a focus on nutrition, financial literacy and family well-being; community development, which is designed to aid local economies, leadership, and community planning; and 4-H youth development, where kids work on leadership and life skills through hands-on learning and projects.

“Offering these resources is crucial because they provide practical, research-based information that helps individuals and communities make informed decisions. This can lead to improved health, stronger families, more resilient communities, and sustainable agricultural practices,” said Ferrell.

Fifth grade students at Milford Elementary School, for example, participated in the

Fifth graders at Milford Elementary School participated in Purdue Extension’s “Captain Cash” program during the 2024 fall semester. “Captain Cash” teaches students economic concepts and vocabulary, focusing on earning and saving money.
Shown from left are Adilyn Brettell, Paris Tunis and Quinn Haynie working on an activity in which they match income and education levels to different jobs. Photo provided by Jennifer Szynal.

extension’s “Captain Cash” program during the 2024 fall semester. “Captain Cash” is a multi-session educational program that teaches students about earning, saving, spending, and borrowing money. Each session introduces basic economic concepts and vocabulary.

Extension educator, Shannon Shepherd, also appeared at Warsaw Community Public Library and Milford Public Library in November to present the identity theft prevention program, “What’s In Your Bag?”

Purdue Extension has a few upcoming programs in both Kosciusko and Elkhart counties.

For those interested in learning more about 4-H, a 4-H community open house will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 11, at Center Lake Pavilion, 119 E. Canal St., Warsaw. This event is open to the public and features a variety of 4-H exhibits, arts and crafts, S.T.E.M. activities, baking projects and other opportunities to get hands on.

A workshop on smartphone and tablet basics will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 and 29, at the Owls Club, 2715 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart. Call the Owls Club at (574) 336-2652 to register.

“Purge Your Papers” takes place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen. Learn about which paperwork to keep for a certain period of time and which to throw out. Register by calling the extension office at (574) 533-0554 or emailing [email protected].

For more information, visit the Purdue Extension website at extension.purdue.edu and search by county. Kosciusko County’s extension can be contacted directly at (574) 372-2340. News about upcoming programs can also be found online at facebook.com/PurdueExtensionKosciusko and facebook.com/PurdueExtensionElkhartCounty.

Purdue Health and Human Services Educator Shannon Shepherd presented the “What’s In Your Bag?” program on identity theft prevention at the Milford Public Library and Warsaw Community Public Library in November. Purdue Extension educational programs are open to the public, meaning all ages can participate. Photo provided by Milford Public Library.