Extension Signature Program Areas (SPAs)

Water, Plants, and Natural Resources
All aspects of water programming as well as any Natural Resource programming. The "Plants" was added here to include non-agricultural plants which can include horticulture, gardening, etc. Thus home and community activities may fit well into this SPA, especially if they pertain to plants or natural resources within the community. Please do not overlook that much of the programming done within this SPA may have applications in other SPAs including Connect Youth and Families with the Outdoors, Healthy Living, Financial Management, Community, Economic and Environmental Vitality, etc.
Food and Fiber Production Systems
Includes all programming within agricultural plant systems. Soil, fertilizers, pests, varieties, diseases, irrigation, economics, etc. Please do not overlook that much of the programming done within this SPA may have applications in other SPAs including Connect Youth and Families with the Outdoors, Healthy Living, Financial Management, Community, Economic and Environmental Vitality, etc.
Animal Production Systems
All aspects of animal production systems from animal safety, ALIRT, Meat Sciences, foraging, aquaculture, beef, dairy, range management, horses, etc. Please do not overlook that much of the programming done within this SPA may have applications in other SPAs including Healthy Living, Financial Management, Community, Economic and Environmental Vitality, etc.
Child and Family Development
Balancing work and family commitments can be a struggle for many Arizonans. The Family and Child Development and Caregiving education programs help people improve their lives through effective parenting, responsible decision making and access to community support systems. These Extension programs are designed to link educational and community resources to people who are looking for ways to improve their family's health and well-being. These programs include education that focuses on people and families who are under additional stress due to limited resources.
Youth Development
Young people represent both the present and the promise for the future. Positive youth development programs inspire the next generation of leaders, inventors, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers by focusing on leadership development, teaching personal responsibility, decision-making, compassion for others through service learning and other life skill.
Leadership Development
Citizenship and community service have been keys to strengthening local communities. This SPA is designed to give added focus to efforts to develop community leadership, foster service learning and community service, and support leadership development.
Healthy Living
Nutrition, physical activity and food safety practices are lifestyle choices that greatly influence the health of people, families and communities. Healthier people are better able to contribute to a robust economy. Past research has demonstrated the health benefits of an active lifestyle and sound nutritional practices. The Healthy Lifestyles education programs translate relevant research into effective healthy nutrition, physical activity and food safety practices people can use to improve their lives, homes and businesses.