OSU Extension and Engagement

We’re out there serving Oregon. And here for you.

Extension and engagement are core to Oregon State University's mission and integral to helping everyone across OSU create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond.

We engage communities in learning, identifying local needs and opportunities and problem-solving.
We believe in co-creation of innovation, knowledge and expertise.
We help connect OSU’s educational programs and resources to all people — wherever and whenever they wish to learn.

The Division of Extension and Engagement leads and supports this collaborative work, which serves to improve the health and well-being of Oregonians and communities, encourage economic development and industry innovation, co-create and share the science and knowledge of Oregon State University and deliver access to education for learner success across the lifespan.

Explore OSU Extension

Extension faculty talking in agricultural field with farmer with dog nearby

Credit: Lynn Ketchum

See the programs, services and resources

OSU community engagement activities

People looking up at sharks in aquarium overhead

Credit: Denise Ruttan

Get involved in OSU engagement

OSU Engagement Council

Beginning in 2023, the council’s purpose will be to align community engagement (CE) and engaged scholarship (ES) priorities with OSU’s strategic plan and vision. The council aims to inform and facilitate future conversations across all academic and non-academic units of the university.

Get connected

Credit: Stock.Adobe.Com (Cropped from original)

kids looking at bees through magnifying glasses

Division units and initiatives

The Division of Extension and Engagement is home to units that provide ongoing OSU Extension programs and services, workforce development trainings and other outreach activities across the state.

See all activities

Engaged scholarship responds to community needs and is about community partnerships.

If you conduct engaged work that directly benefits community partners while contributing to institutional and academic unit missions, you are conducting community-engaged scholarship. Engaged scholarship can be:

Research and creative activities
Teaching and learning
Service and practice

Our collaborative efforts prepare educated, engaged citizens, address critical societal issues and contribute to the public good. In 2020, OSU received a second Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. This designation recognizes the strength of OSU’s commitment to community engagement and engaged scholarship.

Learn more