Title...
Proclamation commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Cooperative Extension of The Pennsylvania State University.
Body...
WHEREAS, May 8, 2014, marks the centennial of the signing of the Smith-Lever Act which established Cooperative Extension, the nationwide transformational education system operating through land-grant universities in partnership with federal, state and local governments; and
WHEREAS, United States Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia and United States Representative A. F. Lever of South Carolina authored the Smith-Lever Act to expand the "vocational, agricultural and home demonstration programs in rural America" by bringing the research-based knowledge of the land-grant universities to people where they live and work; and
WHEREAS, Act 12 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, approved on March 26, 1915, established Penn State University as the legal recipient and executor of the provisions of the Federal Smith-Lever Act in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Cooperative Extension is a critical component of the three-part Land-Grant University mission and works collaboratively with research and academic programs in 106 colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, Cooperative Extension translates science-based research for practical application to improve economic and social conditions; and
WHEREAS, Cooperative Extension engages with rural and urban learners through practical, community-based and online approaches, resulting in the acquisition of knowledge, skills and motivation to strengthen the profitability of small businesses, protect natural resources, help people make healthy lifestyle choices, ensure a safe and abundant food supply, encourage community vitality, and develop the next generation of leaders;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council, does hereby recognize the significance of the Smith-Lever Act and commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Cooperative Extension of The Pennsylvania State University.