article

Evaluating Extension in Times of Crisis: Assessing Program Impact during COVID-19

Authors

• • Catherine E. Dobbins
  • University of Georgia
• • Kisha L. Faulk
  • University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
• • Alexis Roberts
  • University of Georgia Cooperative Extension
• • Alexa J. Lamm
  • University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

Abstract

Communicating the value of Extension programming to stakeholders remains a challenge for many Extension professionals. Program evaluation is a tool that can help communicate the value of Extension; however, many evaluation methods fail to articulate a story of aggregated impact. Apublic valueinstrument was recentlydeveloped to help communicate the impact ofExtension.Communicating Extension’s impact has become more critical, yet more difficult, to do during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research note shares the results of a program evaluation using the Extension public value instrument to determine the impact of GeorgiaCooperative Extension’s programs during the shelter-in-place orders due to COVID-19. Respondents (n= 572) indicated high levels of self-reported knowledge gain, wellness, intent to change behavior, and perceived economic value. The results demonstrated respondents’ overall satisfaction and valuation of Family and Consumer Sciences programs during COVID-19. The Extension public value instrument enabled evaluation data collectionfor Extension professionals to communicate the value of their program impact despite major disruptions to traditional program form

Keywords: evaluation, impact, crisis, COVID-19

How to Cite: Dobbins, C. E. , Faulk, K. L. , Roberts, A. & Lamm, A. J. (2021) “Evaluating Extension in Times of Crisis: Assessing Program Impact during COVID-19”, Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education. 28(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2021.28201