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K-State Research and Extension
123 Umberger Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-3401
785-532-5820
extadmin@ksu.edu

July 15, 2025

The Importance of Reporting Impact in Extension

Submitted by Monica Walker

I am known by some in my region as the PEARS nerd. Part of that may be attributed to my initial training in extension on reporting, where it was drilled into us that at any time, our extension director may need to pull statewide numbers to share information with legislators. Reporting can also help when creating a curriculum vitae.

In addition, I've always felt during my entire extension career that we are fighting for relevance. Now more than ever, we must show our reach and impact. As a past regional director used to say, if it's not in PEARS, it didn't happen!

Here's a quick summary of what evaluation and reporting do for us:

  1. Demonstrates value and accountability to stakeholders. 
  2. Provides a powerful tool for securing funding and grants.
  3. Helps guide program improvement through evaluation results.
  4. Enhances professional development by encouraging us to take a reflective approach to our work.
  5. Influences policy decisions.
  6. Celebrates our success, which boosts morale.

With fairs starting this month, you might wonder, how in the world do I report my fair impact? With some input from Laurie Chandler, associate program leader, here are some tips for fair reporting:

  1. Report total fair attendance as indirect contacts in Indirect Activities.
  2. The number of 4-Hers that take part in consultation judging are volunteer contacts, and you would enter those numbers under Contacts Made By Volunteers in your Quarterly Effort Report.
  3. Providing instruction to your 4-Hers on how to prepare for the fair would be direct contacts reported in Program Activities.
  4. If you provide orientation and training for your fair judges, that would be a direct contact reported in Program Activities.
  5. Discussions with individuals who have questions about 4-H or the fair may be reported as direct contacts in your Quarterly Effort Report.

Reporting impact is more than just a bureaucratic requirement. We all need to do our part in the PEARS system. More information on reporting impact may be found here: https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/employee-resources/programming/reporting.html.