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Extension educator says Valley County lost AmeriCorps funding; local programs, internships and trainings will continue
Summary
The county extension educator reported the loss of AmeriCorps funding and the departure of a 4‑H coordinator but described ongoing programs including a university‑funded intern, community garden work, a seed swap, a stormwater certification class and certification to teach a financial‑literacy curriculum.
Valley County extension staff told commissioners on May 12 that the county lost AmeriCorps funding that supported a 4‑H point‑person, and that the individual who filled that role (named Amy) is no longer with the office. The educator said the county will continue programming but that the loss reduces staff capacity in 4‑H and family‑focused activities.
The extension educator said the food‑pantry garden opening day was successful, that local students from a partner program contributed volunteer labor in community gardens, and that a university‑funded intern from Boise State University will start this summer to help with ArcGIS story‑map updates, community gardens and tabling events.
Staff said the story map used by the food coalition will be modernized in ArcGIS and archived; the intern’s main assignment will be revising that map template. The educator also reported recent community events: a seed swap at the McCall Library, an AI‑facilitated discussion in Cascade and a do‑it‑yourself irrigation demonstration.
On training, the educator said they are now certified to teach the Money Haptitudes curriculum (a financial‑literacy program introduced to Idaho by a Utah educator) and to deliver another curriculum referenced in the meeting as “Bridal Colors.” Staff proposed piloting the Money Haptitudes curriculum at the Bienvenidos Community Garden or at the food pantry.
The educator encouraged outreach for an upcoming two‑day stormwater erosion‑education certification class, which county staff said was scheduled to provide certification for builders, planners and contractors and would be held at the county EOC. The educator said they had already notified the Home Builders Association and would bring the university intern to a future commissioners meeting to introduce him to the board.
No board action was taken on the report; commissioners thanked staff and asked for follow up and scheduling details for the intern introduction.
