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Outreach and E-Learning Extension
OUTREACH AND E-LEARNING EXTENSION

Provides statewide coordination of personal and professional development programs and distance learning initiatives

• Continuing education, credit and noncredit outreach at 26 UW campuses
• School for Workers
• UW Learning Innovations
• Independent Learning
• Higher Education Location Program (HELP)
• Message
• Broadcasting and Media Innovations
• Business and Manufacturing Extension
• Cooperative Extension
• Outreach and E-Learning Extension
• FY 2003 expenditures
• FY 2003 contacts and enrollments
• Partners 		Outreach and E-Learning Extension provides more than 4 million hours of education and training to Wisconsin’s workforce every year. In partnership with the 26 University of Wisconsin campuses, the division serves more than 200,000 lifelong learners from all 72 Wisconsin counties, 50 states and 104 countries worldwide.

accomplishments

UW-Extension has a rich, 110-year history of providing access to education through alternative delivery methods. Educational opportunities are available on site, weekends and evenings, in compressed time frames, and via distance education technology. Together, these efforts make education available to working adults where and when they need it.

In May 2003 the Higher Education Location Program (HELP) celebrated its 30th anniversary. In addition to advising current and prospective students on UW System programs and services, HELP supported more than 90,000 electronic applications last year, approximately 70% of all applications submitted to the 26 UW campuses.

2003 was a year of streamlined processes, cost containment, heightened productivity and new partnerships ­ all aimed at meeting learner needs more efficiently.

Working with 14 partner campuses, UW Learning Innovations supported 15 online degree and certificate programs. UW Independent Learning increased the number of correspondence courses with e-mail enhancements, allowing more timely interaction between instructors and students. A new Online Gerontology Certificate Program combined resources from multiple institutions to reach new audiences via the Internet. The IDEAS Portal (http://www.IDEAS.Wisconsin) used the Web to link Wisconsin teachers with high-quality, teacher-reviewed resources aligned with the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards.

Continuing Education programs are designed to reflect current market demands. School for Workers, the oldest university-based labor education program in North America, began working with the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Bureau of Occupational Health to create educational materials, an awareness video, and a Web site on bioterrorism and emergency preparedness.

looking ahead

In support of critical efforts to build Wisconsin's economy and secure the state's future success, Outreach and E-Learning will reallocate funding in the coming year to launch an expanded workforce and economic development initiative statewide, through regional partnerships with education, business and government. Campus-based continuing education offices will provide leadership in forming these regional partnerships to align workforce and economic development initiatives with the strategic plan for continuing education and outreach.

Under this initiative, new programs, services and partnerships receiving start-up funding will address a range of workforce development needs and emerging social capital issues. Proposals may be designed to meet education, training or retraining needs of working adults. Campuses may also launch new efforts to create shared solutions by improving the connections between universities and local communities. Funded programs may also focus on integrating workforce and regional development to support the development of diverse and dynamic communities that attract and retain educated, high-wage workers.

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