NC Cooperative Extension Host FCS Institutes

The annual Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Spring Institutes were recently hosted by NC Cooperative Extension after a hiatus due to Covid. The sessions were held at the McKimmon Center at NC State, with specialists from both NC State and NC A&T conducting workshops and presentations. The institutes brought together FCS agents and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) educators from all across the state to engage in three days of professional development.

The focus of the institutes was on exploring the state of health and well-being in North Carolina, and how North Carolina Extension can have a positive impact on health and well-being in its broadest terms. Discussions and workshops covered topics such as ethics, emerging youth audiences, breastfeeding support, volunteer engagement, STEAM education, intergenerational programming, incorporating seasonal produce, and much more.

Four new faculty members within the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences were present to connect with colleagues and share their vision for the future of Cooperative Extension. Program leaders also shared updates related to their current work and future collaborative efforts. Agents and educators left with the idea that FCS is important and relevant in today’s world and that we have much to do to impact communities. As Claudette Smith said, “The best is yet to come”! We are grateful to NC State for hosting the Institutes, and to all the specialists who conducted workshops and contributed to the success of the event. We look forward to future Institutes and continuing to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of North Carolina resident