University of Missouri (MU) Extension has reached thousands of Clay County residents through hundreds of programs and activities this year, with efforts underway to further expand its local outreach.

Extension Engagement Specialist GK Callahan recently updated the Clay County Commission on MU Extension’s local reach, reporting about 5,000 direct contacts through 503 sessions across 155 activities so far this year. That reach included nearly 1,300 youth, with outreach occurring in communities such as Liberty, Excelsior Springs and Gladstone. Callahan noted MU Extension is using a new reporting system, and some of the year-to-date data is still being finalized.

Those efforts have included programming in areas such as youth development, agriculture, health and nutrition, business and community development.

MU Extension serves all 114 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis, connecting residents with resources and expertise from across the MU System. Callahan emphasized Extension operates…