WSU Thurston County Extension – 2024 Community Impact Report

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WSU Extension Programs: Organizational Collaboration, Community Buy-In

11 Extension Educators positively impact Thurston County residents each year, providing research-based information and educational programs that give people the knowledge to improve health and livelihood. Leveraging County support, WSU Extension brings in resources from grants, contracts, fees, fund-raising, and the University to develop and deliver locally-relevant programs in

  • 4-H Youth Development
  • Agriculture
  • Food Safety & Nutrition
  • Master Gardener & Master Recycler Composter
  • Water Resources & Native Plant Salvage Project.

In 2024, Thurston County provided $172,715 in support via the MOA and $447,054 from non-MOA sources (total $619,769). WSU Thurston County Extension received $599,658 from WSU, raised an additional $349,257 in grants (total $948,915), and facilitated $791,293 in volunteer service contributions. Combined County-WSU program value of $2,359,977!

Read the 2024 Impact Report (pdf)

Volunteer Support

Trained, enthusiastic volunteers are an important part of WSU Extension programs. In 2024, WSU
Thurston County Extension volunteers gave approximately 22,745 hours of service*, which is
equivalent to 11 full-time employees. At an estimated volunteer value of $34.79 per hour**, the service is worth $791,293.

*Not all volunteer hours have been reported to the WSU Volunteer Database.

** Source: Independent Sector, April, 2025

Making Impacts Globally and Locally

WSU Extension serves the residents of Washington State by creating and delivering targeted research-based knowledge and education. It’s a mission the organization and its dedicated specialists have refined over the past century. Part of that process is communicating results.

These reports provide accounts of how our programs empower participants to better their lives. We hope the reports inspire you to join at least one of our courses or events, share your story, and provide feedback. Your involvement will help us improve our responsiveness and reach more individuals.