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Professional portrait of Emily Kluin

SDSU Extension welcomes new Community Vitality field specialist

December 31, 2024

As a Community Vitality field specialist, Kluin will support the well-being and sustainability of South Dakota’s communities through focused programs and discussions. She is based at the Sioux Falls Regional Center.

A piggy bank with stacks of coins next to it.

SDSU Extension to host Financial Fireside Chats webinar series

January 02, 2025

Financial Fireside Chats is a free series of webinars every Tuesday for six weeks that tackles timely topics designed to promote financial well-being for participants of all ages.

Woman using a calculator

SDSU Extension introduces volunteer financial mentoring program

January 03, 2025

Over 10 weeks, the Money Mentor Volunteer program will help South Dakotans learn how to facilitate personal finance educational programming. Those who successfully complete the program will be certified to lead personal finance workshops in communities and to provide one-on-one financial education.

A large group of people stands on a stone staircase to smile for a photo

Energize conference inspires small SD communities

January 17, 2025

Hosted in a different South Dakota town of 5,000 or fewer people each year, Energize is an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities.

Hand tapping a button on a tablet computer to apply for a credit freeze.

Why and How to Freeze Your Credit

A credit or security freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit file and prevents others from opening an account in your name. Consumers can freeze and unfreeze their credit records for free by working with the three nationwide reporting companies.

A single, gold wooden figure stands before a group of several wood figures, symbolizing the autocratic leadership style.

No One is Never a Leader

Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Whether you're managing a project, organizing a community event, leading a team at work, or planning something with your family, there are many ways to approach leadership.

Professional portrait of Rebecca Undem

ND author, podcast host to keynote SDSU Extension Energize conference

March 07, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality is pleased to announce North Dakota businesswoman and rural advocate Rebecca Undem as the 2025 Energize conference keynote speaker.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

Rural Communities: Addressing Declining Population by Developing Entrepreneurial Communities

As the population decreases, schools close. Businesses close. Services become less and less. Research shows that people want to live in rural areas but don’t believe the opportunities are there. If communities develop a system to connect people to opportunities, rural communities can stabilize their population, keep their schools, businesses and services, and maybe even increase them.

Three people smile for the camera; the woman in the middle holds up a certificate in a glass frame

Watertown entrepreneur wins SDSU Extension business plan contest

March 24, 2025

A Watertown woman won a South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality business plan contest with her compelling plan for a cancer support group.

up of people having a discussion in a re-purposed firehall.

Why Third Places Are Vital to Rural Communities

From community centers to small businesses, third places are social spaces outside of one’s home that support connection, economic growth, and civic engagement in rural communities.