The Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) Awards of Excellence program was initially created in 2005 with the WEDA Excellence in Extension Programming Awards and expanded in 2023 to include a financial incentive for each award. In 2025, the Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audiences was offered.
For 2026 the WEDA Awards are:
- Excellence in Extension Programming – Individual. Prize $500.00
- Excellence in Extension Programming – Team (Two or more LGUs) Prize – $500.00 (Team to determine distribution of $500.00)
- Innovative Programming that Addresses New Audiences Prize – $500.00
The purpose of these awards is to recognize outstanding Extension work that has documented accomplishments, results, and impacts in addressing contemporary issues through innovative offerings at a WEDA’s member institution.
The Awards are given annually during the Western Regional Joint Summer meeting, where the recipients present a brief seminar during the award presentation. The Western Program and Organizational Leadership Committee administers this program on behalf of the WEDA.
Applications are submitted by Extension Directors. For the WEDA Excellence in Extension Programming Awards, each institution may submit up to three applications, plus one multistate application.
The due date for all submissions is 11:59 pm, January 31st of each year. Electronic applications are sent to Dr. Ed Martin’s assistant, Kelly Montez at kellymontez@arizona.edu with “WEDA Award Application” in the subject line. Phone: 520-621-7145