The Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s goal is to impact the community in a positive way based on research-based education. For some people, that impact stays with them throughout their lives, so much so that they end up on the other side of the programs, running and organizing them. That is the case with Apriell Burgess, Urban Regional Extension Agent for Colbert, Lauderdale and now Franklin County.

“Originally I just served Colbert and Lauderdale, but Franklin County had such a need for the extra services because of its growing program that I was approved to work with Franklin as well,” Burgess said.

She works with 4-H and youth development programs as well as community resource development programs. Some of the programs she oversees are TMI, Health Rocks, HYPE, STEAM and working with students to prepare for college and their careers.

Health Rocks is a life skills development program that Burgess said helps young people with decision-making skills and with drug and alcohol prevention.

“One of the activities we’ve done with Health Rocks is a poster contest with the students, which got them hands-on involved with the learning,” Burgess said.

TMI stands for Teens and Tweens Making an Impact. Burgess teaches the students about important etiquette skills, like table manners and other social behaviors.

“Even if at home they don’t have sit-down dinners, it’s still important for them to learn those skills because they will need them later on in life,” she said.

HYPE stands for Helping Youth Promote Empathy. In this program, Burgess teaches students the importance of having empathy and the ability to put themselves in other people’s shoes.

“I’ve found that a lot of students don’t know the difference between empathy and sympathy, but it’s important for them to have empathy. It helps combat bullying,” Burgess said.

In the STEAM programs, Burgess said she teaches students how to use common household products in science experiments they can do at home with their families and cultivate those relationships.

“The ones that the students have the most fun with is making slime and quick sand,” she said.

One of the most important things, in her opinion, that she does with the students is helping them prepare for life after high school, whether that means college or a career field. She helps them prepare for the ACT, takes them on college tours and helps them with important documents like financial aid.

“Because of the college tours we have done, some of our students have made their important college decisions. We have two I know of for sure who are planning on attending the University of Alabama because of a tour we took,” Burgess said.

Burgess, who has been involved with the Extension system since she was an 8-year-old girl participating in 4-H during and after school, said she believes in the power of the Extension system to educate youth in the community.

“I want to help them make good choices and become well-rounded leaders in the community,” she said.