Contact: Jack Bailey (304) 766-4109 jbaile19@wvstateu.edu INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The West Virginia State University (WVSU) Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Program has been awarded a $50,050 Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE)grant as a subaward in collaboration with West Virginia University (WVU), which will help the Cooperative Extension System to continue its mission to increase vaccine confidence among rural and other underserved communities. This new effort is funded by the Extension Foundation in cooperation with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP), with support from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The project began June 1 and will continue through November, 30, 2024. The EXCITE program’s Implementation Phase is an 18-month educational campaign, characterized by community engagement and close collaboration with public health partners. To support the participating teams, a mentoring/coaching model will be implemented, providing valuable guidance and assistance throughout the project. Furthermore, quarterly professional development workshops will be conducted to foster continuous learning and sharing among the teams. The objectives include increasing partnerships with local departments of public health, changing attitudes and beliefs about adult immunization and assessing best practices for rural communities. The program serves all Land-grant Universities and aims to enhance accessibility and acceptability of local adult immunization opportunities for rural populations. “I am delighted to bring the Excite III Extension programming to WVSU,” said Family and Consumer Sciences Program Leader Dr. Donte Pennington. “WVSU and WVU have been a part of this USDA and CDC programming since its inception two years ago. Our project title, ‘Regional Vaccine Education, Outreach and Access Initiative,’ provides insight into the Extension services our universities are pleased to present and provide to rural communities of West Virginia.” For more information about the EXCITE program, contact Dr. Donte Pennington at . Follow on Facebook and Twitter .