Retention Through the Employee Life Cycle

July 13–17, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM CT | Zoom

This year's Virtual Summer School explores how Extension organizations can support, develop, and retain employees throughout every stage of their career journey.

Across the week, participants will explore practical strategies, emerging research, and innovative practices related to employee engagement, mentoring, burnout, leadership development, and organizational health.

This series is open to all Extension professionals.

Register Here for Sessions: tx.ag/vss2026

Questions? Contact Hannah Gerken (hannah.gerken@ag.tamu.edu) or Bethany Eigel (baeigel@vt.edu).

Daily Topics

Monday — Utilizing the C.A.R.E. Framework
What makes people stay and what causes them to leave? Explore the C.A.R.E. Framework (Connection, Alignment, Recognition, and Empowerment), a practical model for strengthening engagement, supporting retention, and creating positive employee experiences.

Tuesday — Mentoring
Examine how mentoring supports employees throughout the career journey by exploring the three functions of mentoring, the four stages of mentoring relationships, and the characteristics of effective mentors.

Wednesday — Understanding & Moving Beyond Burnout
Examine current research on burnout among Extension professionals, including its causes, impacts, and implications for retention, while also exploring practical strategies individuals and organizations can use to build resilience and move beyond burnout.

Thursday — Development Strategies for Mid-Managers
Retention is strengthened when leaders feel supported and equipped to succeed. Through two complementary perspectives, participants will explore how strengths-based development, intentional onboarding, coaching, and mentoring can increase engagement, build confidence, and support long-term success for mid-managers.

Friday — Diagnosing Organizational Health
Strong retention is built on healthy organizations. Explore how the Organizational Health Inventory (OHI-EXT) can be used to measure organizational health through employee feedback, leader reflection, and action planning to strengthen culture, engagement, and long-term employee success.

PD CAFÉ LEARNING SERIES

The NAEPSDP PD Café Learning Series provides opportunities for Extension professionals to explore timely topics, learn from colleagues, and engage in meaningful conversation.

Unlike a traditional webinar, PD Cafés are designed to blend expert insights with peer discussion. Each session includes a focused learning segment followed by an optional conversation period where participants can reflect, ask questions, and exchange ideas with colleagues from across the country.

Whether you're looking for practical tools, fresh perspectives, or opportunities to connect with fellow Extension professionals, PD Cafés offer a welcoming space for learning and collaboration.

What to Expect

• Brief, focused presentations from Extension professionals and subject matter experts
• Practical strategies and tools you can apply immediately
• Opportunities for discussion and peer learning
• A flexible format that allows participants to stay for conversation or leave after the learning segment

Upcoming Sessions

Register Here: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/3aK-LfHWSJmrZS1jW4XVIw#/registration 

Accessibility in Practice 
June 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM ET

Creating accessible programs isn't just about compliance—it's about ensuring all audiences can fully engage with and benefit from Extension programming.

Join Pat Wills and Renee Pusey for a practical conversation focused on making accessibility actionable in your everyday work. This session will move beyond theory to explore realistic strategies for creating more inclusive programs, materials, events, and learning experiences.