The Extension Connection

Summer Is a Building Season: The Skills You Can’t Grade

This week on the Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson with 4-H is talking all about why summer is more than just time out of school—it’s a season for growth. From Safe Sitter and CPR classes to fair projects, camps, and hands-on learning, we’ll chat about the life skills young people build along the way—things like confidence, responsibility, leadership, and resilience that don’t always show up on a report card but make a lasting impact for years to come.

Home Maintenance Series Part 3- Outdoor Maintenance

Welcome back to part three of our Home Maintenance series, where we dive into outdoor home maintenance and the key things you should be inspecting once a year to keep your home in good working condition. Follow along as we walk through a top-down list of essential annual tasks. Resources: https://healthyhomes.ces.ncsu.edu/ [https://healthyhomes.ces.ncsu.edu/] https://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/HomeMaintChecklist_update_6.21.pdf [https://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/HomeMaintChecklist_update_6.21.pdf] https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preventative-home-maintenance [https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preventative-home-maintenance]

Growing Together- The Power of Community Partnerships in 4-H

In this episode of the Extension Connection Podcast, 4-H agent Jessica Jackson  explores the power of community partnerships and how they help 4-H grow and thrive. From schools and local businesses to volunteers and organizations, it truly takes a village to create meaningful opportunities for youth. Tune in as we share real-life examples from Polk County, highlight the impact of working together, and discuss how these connections are shaping confident, capable young leaders.

Home Maintenance Part 2

In this episode, we dive back into our home maintenance series with Part 2, where we focus on indoor maintenance tasks that can be done once a year or so. Listen along as we go deeper into this topic to help keep our homes running in peak condition—saving money and supporting a healthy living environment. Resources: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preventative-home-maintenance [https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/preventative-home-maintenance] https://healthyhomes.ces.ncsu.edu/ [https://healthyhomes.ces.ncsu.edu/] https://extension.umn.edu/home-maintenance-and-safety/cleaning-healthy-home [https://extension.umn.edu/home-maintenance-and-safety/cleaning-healthy-home] https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_home_ventilation.pdf [https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_home_ventilation.pdf] https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/carbon-monoxide [https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/carbon-monoxide] https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/health-service-regulation/north-carolina-radon-program [https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/health-service-regulation/north-carolina-radon-program]

Breaking Chains: Caring for Your Health in Every Season

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson talks about the importance of health and wellness for youth and families. As spring brings a season of fresh beginnings, Jessica reflects on how life changes over time and how caring for our mental, emotional, and physical health remains important in every stage of life. She shares personal stories about managing stress, the routines that help keep her grounded as a parent, and simple ways anyone—whether a student or a busy parent—can make time for their well-being. The episode also explores how 4-H programs support youth mental health by building confidence, relationships, and life skills that help young people thrive in their clubs, communities, and beyond.