Alabama Cooperative Extension System
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System delivers land-grant university research-based education to Alabama residents through 742 staff in all 67 counties and nine urban centers, serving youth (111,343 4-H members), farmers, forest landowners, urban communities, and K-12 schools.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1914
- HeadquartersBasalt, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Alabama Cooperative Extension System does
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), founded in 1914, is the primary outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University, with Tuskegee University serving as a cooperating partner. Headquartered at Duncan Hall on the Auburn University campus and staffed by 742 Extension employees, ACES operates county offices in all 67 Alabama counties plus nine Urban Extension centers, delivering research-based educational programming in agriculture, 4-H youth development, family sciences, forestry and wildlife, food safety, community development, and urban extension. Reached audiences in the most recent reporting period include 111,343 Alabama 4-H members, 52,002 SNAP-Ed and EFNEP nutrition participants, 38,206 attendees across 303 forestry and natural resources programs, and 10,000 high-school seniors through the Alabama FAST financial aid program.
ACES runs an event-driven, in-person-and-digital go-to-market model combining county-based field agents, statewide webinar series (Natural Resources biweekly, TreeStrong Forest Health monthly), an online Extension publications store at secure.touchnet.net, and a multimedia presence spanning YouTube, podcasts, and social channels. Core products include Alabama 4-H, Your Money Your Life financial simulation for middle-schoolers, the Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit, the Alabama Master Naturalist certification program, Professional Logging Manager training, the Marble Bowl iNaturalist citizen science competition, and the Green Up Alabama urban forestry initiative. Underlying technology is a standard web platform with Zoom webinar delivery, a YouTube video library, podcast distribution, and a staff/county office directory database — with no disclosed AI/ML, API, or SDK surface.
ACES is funded primarily through federal (USDA), state, and county government appropriations, supplemented by nominal event and registration fees (e.g., $40 for Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training); the substantial majority of programs and services are free to Alabama residents. It is structured as a government/state entity jointly governed by two land-grant universities rather than a privately held company, with no equity funding, M&A activity, or revenue disclosure in the input data.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System
- Legal name
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System
- Website
- https://aces.edu
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1914
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- The Alabama Cooperative Extension System delivers land-grant university research-based education to Alabama residents through 742 staff in all 67 counties and nine urban centers, serving youth (111,343 4-H members), farmers, forest landowners, urban communities, and K-12 schools.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Alabama Cooperative Extension System industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Cooperative Extension Education Services
- NAICS
- Educational Services (61), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Support Services (611710), Other Schools and Instruction (6116)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Workforce & Career Transition Noncredit Programs (EDAAAEAC), Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Noncredit Programs (EDAAAEAH), Regional Education Service Agencies (ESAs/BOCES/Intermediate Units) (EDADABAC)
Keywords
Where Alabama Cooperative Extension System is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Basalt
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Alabama Cooperative Extension System business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Public Funding: Alabama Cooperative Extension System operates as a publicly funded outreach organization for the land-grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University in cooperation with Tuskegee University. Funding comes from federal, state, and county government allocations.
- Event Registration and Program Fees: Some educational events and programs charge nominal registration fees. For example, the Pollinator Partners of Alabama Certification Training has a $40 registration fee.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free programs and services for Alabama residents |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels11 records
Alabama Cooperative Extension System product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System delivers non-degree, research-based educational programming to Alabama residents across agriculture, 4-H youth development, forestry and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, urban extension, and community development. Programming is delivered through 67 county offices, nine urban centers, statewide webinar series, field days, workshops, publications, and digital media. Most services are provided free of charge, with nominal fees on select certification events.
Product overview
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is a land-grant outreach organization operating as a unified portfolio of educational programs and services rather than a single software product. The organization delivers its mission through multiple distinct programs including Alabama 4-H (youth development reaching 111,000+ students), the Your Money Your Life financial literacy simulation, the Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit for livestock producers, and the TreeStrong Alabama Forest Health Webinar Series. Core service delivery occurs through 742 Extension employees in 67 county offices, nine Urban Extension centers, statewide webinar series (Natural Resources, TreeStrong), and the Alabama Master Naturalist volunteer certification program. Additional offerings include Professional Logging Manager training, the Marble Bowl citizen science competition, Green Up Alabama urban forestry initiatives, and the Forestry, Wildlife & Natural Resources education programs with youth competitions. The organization connects Alabama A&M University and Auburn University research to communities through practical, research-based educational programming.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Alabama 4-H: Youth development program for children and teenagers
- ACES
Products and services
- Alabama 4-H
- Your Money, Your Life Real-life financial simulation program for middle school (eighth-grade) students that assigns careers and salaries, guiding participants through budgeting decisions for housing, food, transportation, and unexpected expenses to build financial literacy.
- Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit Annual summit focused on sustainable small-ruminant production, food security, and workforce development featuring hands-on training, expert sessions, and 4-H youth activities covering animal health, grazing, and value-added production.
- TreeStrong Alabama Forest Health Webinar Series Monthly webinar series providing actionable insights on forest health challenges including pests, pathogens, and environmental stressors, with continuing education credits for foresters and professional loggers.
- Natural Resources Webinar Series Biweekly virtual outreach series covering forestry, wildlife, and natural resources topics with continuing education credits available for registered foresters and professional loggers.
- Alabama Master Naturalist Program Statewide volunteer certification program requiring completion of 22 online modules, two field days, and 30 volunteer hours to promote awareness and stewardship of Alabama's natural resources.
- Green Up Alabama Urban forestry initiative to revitalize small and rural communities by planting trees and training local workers in tree-care, storm-response, and arboricultural skills over a 5-year period.
- Professional Logging Manager (PLM) Training Initial training and annual continuing forestry education (CFE) program for loggers covering sustainable forestry practices, logging safety, biodiversity, wildlife conservation, and water quality best management practices.
- Marble Bowl Citizen Science Competition Online biodiversity observation competition using the iNaturalist platform, engaging college teams to log wildlife observations across Alabama during football season.
- Forestry, Wildlife & Natural Resources Education Programs Educational outreach including Project WILD, Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), 4-H Forestry Invitational, and statewide competitions for youth and adults on species identification, habitat management, and conservation practices.
- County Extension Offices Local Extension offices in all 67 Alabama counties providing one-on-one guidance, workshops, and educational programs connecting communities with university research and resources.
- Urban Extension Extension programming operating out of nine urban centers providing resources and education for urban communities and populations with limited access to rural Extension services.
Quantifiable outcome
- 111,343 Alabama 4-H members reached in 2024-2025
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Alabama Cooperative Extension System technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Alabama Cooperative Extension System partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Auburn UniversitycorePrimary land-grant university partner for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Auburn University provides research-based expertise and educational programming through Extension agents and specialists in agriculture, natural resources, youth development, and family sciences.
- Alabama A&M Universitycore1890 land-grant university partner for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Alabama A&M provides specialized programming through its Urban Extension initiatives and the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute.
- Tuskegee UniversitycoreCooperating university partner in the land-grant mission alongside Auburn University and Alabama A&M University, contributing to the cooperative extension system.
- US Department of Agriculture Forest ServicemajorFederal agency partner providing funding and technical support for forestry education, Green Up Alabama urban forestry initiative, and forest health programming.
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesmajorState agency partner collaborating on wildlife management education, natural resources programming, and hunter safety through the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.
- Alabama Forestry CommissionmajorState agency partner providing free landowner assistance, forest management planning, and cost-share programs through county foresters in almost every Alabama county.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServicemajorFederal agency partner providing cost-share and technical assistance to landowners for conservation practices, forest management, and agricultural improvements.
- Alabama Agricultural Experiment StationmajorResearch arm at Auburn University operating 13 outlying research and extension units across Alabama, supporting graduate student research and field trials.
- The People's Patch Community FarmminorCommunity partner farm in Huntsville hosting the Alabama Goat and Sheep Summit and providing urban agriculture education venue.
- Georgia Master Naturalist, Florida Master Naturalist, South Carolina Master NaturalistminorRegional partner programs collaborating on a monthly webinar series for naturalist education across the Southeast.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Alabama Cooperative Extension System competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: UF/IFAS Extension delivers research-based education through all 67 Florida counties in agriculture, natural resources, family/consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. Direct peer: same land-grant university cooperative extension model, similar Southeast geography, and overlapping forestry/agriculture program offerings (Master Naturalist, Forest Health).
- NC State Extension: NC State Extension operates as North Carolina's land-grant outreach arm with 101 county centers and 4-H, agriculture, and forestry programming. Directly comparable in structure, scale, and Southeast U.S. context, with strong forestry and small-ruminant livestock programming overlap with Alabama Extension.
- University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: UGA Cooperative Extension serves all 159 Georgia counties with agriculture, 4-H, and family sciences programming. Comparable land-grant model with overlapping Master Naturalist collaboration (joint webinar series with Alabama Extension) and forestry/natural resources focus.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech and Virginia State) operates as a dual-university land-grant extension system analogous to Alabama Extension's Auburn-Alabama A&M structure. Direct peer by mission, scale, and tri-university cooperative model.
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Clemson Extension is South Carolina's land-grant extension service with agriculture, 4-H, forestry, and natural resources programming. Direct peer: same 1862 land-grant university structure, similar Southeast geography, and active Master Naturalist collaboration partner with Alabama Extension.
- Mississippi State University Extension Service: Mississippi State Extension is the neighboring land-grant extension service operating across Mississippi's counties with parallel programming in agriculture, 4-H, forestry, and family/consumer sciences. Highly comparable geographic and programmatic peer in the Southeast U.S.
Broad incumbents
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is the largest state cooperative extension system in the U.S., delivering 4-H, agriculture, and community education across Texas's 254 counties. It is the closest analog to Alabama Extension by mission, structure, and land-grant university backing, though it operates at substantially greater scale.
Others
- National 4-H Council: National 4-H Council is the private-sector partner that supports the 4-H youth development program nationwide. Alabama Extension's 4-H program (111,343 members) operates under this national umbrella, sharing curriculum, branding, and programmatic standards.
- USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA): NIFA is the federal agency that administers Smith-Lever Act funding to all U.S. cooperative extension systems, including Alabama Extension. It is the parent funding authority and policy coordinator for the cooperative extension network nationally.
- Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment: While not a separate entity, Auburn's College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment is the research partner that supplies Alabama Extension's forestry content and Extension specialists. This is the academic counterparty that drives the TreeStrong and Natural Resources Webinar Series content.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Alabama Cooperative Extension System social profiles
Digital presenceAlabama Cooperative Extension System financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Alabama Cooperative Extension System leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Alabama Cooperative Extension System funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Alabama Cooperative Extension System M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Alabama Cooperative Extension System
What does Alabama Cooperative Extension System do?
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System delivers non-degree, research-based educational programming to Alabama residents across agriculture, 4-H youth development, forestry and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, urban extension, and community development. Programming is delivered through 67 county offices, nine urban centers, statewide webinar series, field days, workshops, publications, and digital media. Most services are provided free of charge, with nominal fees on select certification events.
Is Alabama Cooperative Extension System a public or private company?
Alabama Cooperative Extension System is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Alabama Cooperative Extension System founded?
Alabama Cooperative Extension System was founded in 1914. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Alabama Cooperative Extension System based?
Alabama Cooperative Extension System is headquartered in Basalt, United States, in the North America region.
How does Alabama Cooperative Extension System make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Public Funding is the primary driver. The others are event Registration and Program Fees.
Who are Alabama Cooperative Extension System's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are University of Florida IFAS Extension, NC State Extension, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Clemson Cooperative Extension and Mississippi State University Extension Service. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is listed as a broad incumbent. Others are National 4-H Council, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment.
Does Alabama Cooperative Extension System have an API?
No public API is recorded for Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
What industry is Alabama Cooperative Extension System in?
Alabama Cooperative Extension System's product category is Cooperative Extension Education Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAEAA, University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs, with a secondary code of EDAAAEAC, Workforce & Career Transition Noncredit Programs. Its NAICS code is 61 and its SIC code is 8200.