August 21, 2025

^{This post originally appeared on the Southern Rural Development website and is reprinted here with permission.}

In the final week of July, 27 participants from 17 states of the National Digital Extension Education Team (NDEET) gathered in Denver, Colorado, for an energizing and forward-focused convening to identify the emerging digital and broadband needs shaping the future of Cooperative Extension. Hosted by the Extension Foundation, the event served as a catalyst for strategic planning and collaboration across key issue areas. NERCRD Associate Director Stephen Alessi attended the event and is excited about the opportunities to collaborate on the program priority areas that emerged from the meeting.

The NDEET Strategic Planning Team identified three priority areas for research and content development:

• Economic Development
• Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology
• Cybersecurity

Each focus area has defined a clear set of goals and action steps to support Cooperative Extension’s evolving role in digital equity and innovation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technology

Leads: Victor Villegas (victor.villegas@oregonstate.edu), Jim Ladlee

• Goal 1: AI Tech Hub Asset Mapping
  Within 12 months, launch a national AI tech hub mapping initiative to identify key resources, partners, and stakeholders—strengthening the foundation for Extension facility and staff capacity.
• Goal 2: Workforce Capacity Development
  Develop and implement a national AI capacity development plan focused on workforce training, domain-specific engagement, and knowledge sharing—ensuring a future-ready, tech-savvy Extension workforce.
• Goal 3: Outreach & Engagement
  Within 1 year, expand Extension’s public outreach to foster three new collaboration opportunities, educating communities about the safe, responsible, and practical use of AI.

Cybersecurity

Leads: Kenny Sherin (kmsherin@ncsu.edu), Terrence Wolfork, Nick Pappin

• Goal 1: Community Partnerships
  Build a localized cybersecurity network by engaging Extension, ISPs, law enforcement, insurance agents, and community organizations. This initiative will surface shared risks and support community-driven digital safety strategies.
• Goal 2: Cyber Education
  Develop a national cybersecurity curriculum, adaptable for diverse audiences—agricultural producers, small businesses, older adults, people with disabilities, and rural communities. Reach at least 1,000 participants through educational programming that builds digital safety and confidence.

Economic Development

Leads: Cheyanne Geideman (cgeidema@purdue.edu), Jessica Beckendorf

• Goal 1: Digital Workforce Resources
  Leverage labor data and digital skill forecasts to create guides for Extension and economic development partners to deliver workforce-oriented digital training.
• Goal 2: Workforce Landscape Scan
  Conduct a comprehensive scan of workforce digital skills training and credentialing, identifying partner opportunities and service gaps.
• Goal 3: Credentialing Partnerships
  Develop and implement Extension-led partnerships with credentialing providers to address gaps in digital skills training and explore where Extension can lead or support credentialing efforts.
• Goal 4: Digital Ecosystem Assessment
  NDEET will release a community digital ecosystem assessment tool, helping communities identify local digital gaps and connect with curated resources to address them.

Stay Connected

For questions or further information, please contact:

• Dr. Roseanne Scammahorn (r.scammahorn@msstate.edu)
• Dr. Kristopher Elliott (kristopher.elliott@oregonstate.edu)
• Or reach out directly to the respective group leaders listed above.

Thank you for your continued commitment to digital transformation and innovation in Extension. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected, and digitally resilient future for our communities.

Extension Foundation Team:

Tira Adelman, Assistant Director, Grants & Programs; Charlie Pane, Publications Manager; Karl Bradley, Leadership Development Specialist; and Ashley Griffin, Chief Operating Officer

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