6440 University of California
Program Descriptions

15 - PUBLIC SERVICE

Public service includes a broad range of activities organized by the University to serve state and local communities, students, teachers, and staff in K-12 schools and community colleges, and the public in general. Consistent with its mission as a land-grant institution, the University's public service programs help improve the quality of life in California by focusing on major challenges, whether in business, education, health care, community development, or civic engagement, that impact the economic and social well-being of its citizens. One component of public service is student academic preparation and educational partnerships, through which the University works collaboratively with schools and other partners to help educationally disadvantaged students meet rigorous standards of academic preparation needed to be successful in higher education and the world of work. Public service also includes Cooperative Extension, which is the University's largest public service program. Cooperative Extension provides applied research and educational programs in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community resource development, and 4-H youth development. Campuses also conduct other public service programs, generally supported by user fees and other non-state fund sources, such as arts and lecture programs, and student-initiated community service projects. The University's public service programs also include a health sciences program jointly operated with the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.