The Learning Store produces and distributes educational materials based on university research, extending knowledge to the statewide community.

Featured Publication

No-Box Thinking offers a framework for understanding the automatic and powerful resistance to change those engaged in community development often face. This book details how to convert the powerful sources of community change resistance—identity, emotion, and social connections—into powerful forces for transformational change (105 pages; 2018).

View Related Topics on the Learning Store

• Wisconsin’s agricultural industry tops $116.3 billion in increase from previous years; dairy sector represents 6.5% of state’s economic activity
  November 18, 2024
  Wisconsin’s agricultural production and food processing sectors represent 14.3% of the state’s total economic impact, contributing $116.3 billion in industrial revenues – an increase of 10.9% from 2017. Agricultural businesses in Wisconsin constitute 353,900 jobs (9.5% of jobs in the state) and $21.2 billion to labor income. Additionally, the dairy sector and its significant dedication […]
• Encouraging Financial Conversations: Equipping local helping professionals with knowledge, tools, and confidence
  November 14, 2024
  In her role with Early Head Start, Keri Kraus works with families from pregnancy until children turn 3, visiting them in their homes for 90 minutes each week. Kraus brings activities for the children, encouraging the parents to join in. Part of that time is spent supporting the entire family and helping them set and […]
• A Legacy of Leadership: Melanie Miller’s Journey to the National 4-H Hall of Fame
  October 7, 2024
  Melanie Miller, a lifelong advocate of 4-H in Wisconsin, will be inducted into the 2024 National 4-H Hall of Fame this weekend in Boise, Idaho. Among 15 distinguished honorees, Melanie’s story is one of passion, commitment, and a deep-rooted connection to 4-H that spans generations. Growing up in a family with over a century of […]
• Local coalitions in five counties begin new rural entrepreneurship program
  October 4, 2024
  Coalitions in five counties are partnering up with UW–Madison Extension on a new effort to engage rural entrepreneurs and strengthen community connection. As part of a grant-funded program from Compeer Financial, Extension is providing coaching and guidance for local groups to spur sustained entrepreneurship. The groups selected for this program recently moved into a phase […]
• Leading with purpose- Providing executive leadership training for law enforcement
  October 4, 2024
  After a 25-year career working for the Milwaukee Police Department, Jim MacGillis was planning to retire and try something new. Then the position of police chief opened in Wauwatosa, his hometown. “I’ve got family here, and I had seen the good human beings in this department have a front-row seat during the worst of times…and […]
• 4-H: Preparing youth for what’s next
  October 3, 2024
  During 4-H Week, we’re celebrating some of the ways that 4-H is building a ready generation in a changing world. 4-H members show they are two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active than other youth; and four times more likely to contribute to their communities. And, […]

• Leading with purpose- Providing executive leadership training for law enforcement
  October 4, 2024
  After a 25-year career working for the Milwaukee Police Department, Jim MacGillis was planning to retire and try something new. Then the position of police chief opened in Wauwatosa, his hometown. “I’ve got family here, and I had seen the good human beings in this department have a front-row seat during the worst of times…and […]
• Elevando, Wisconsin: Reaching new audiences to develop community leaders
  August 19, 2024
  Jorge Islas-Martinez immigrated to the United States more than 25 years ago. Today, he is well-known in the Whitewater community where he works as a bilingual liaison for the school district and volunteers with several organizations. One of his most recognized contributions, he started teaching English as a second language and is still running that […]
• Changing the outcome: Peers are key to reentry success
  May 7, 2024
  This year, approximately 8,000 people will be released from Wisconsin state prisons. According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, more than half of those released will be rearrested within three years.  Aaron Hicks and Frank Davis, Reentry Coordinators at the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development in Madison, who were formerly incarcerated, use their experience […]
• The Swiss Army knives of their communities – Municipal Clerks handle more than just elections
  April 2, 2024
  While running elections is an important role for municipal and county clerks, that’s not the only thing they do. Ann Hempel, elected to serve as the part-time Municipal Clerk for the Town of Unity in 2023, estimates that running elections for the 513 people who live in her township is only 5% of her clerk […]
• Extension Innovation Grants Prompt Community Collaboration on Food Systems, Water Quality, Accessibility, and Outreach
  April 7, 2022
  UW-Madison Extension awarded funding to 13 projects aimed at bringing innovative ideas to its outreach and education mission. Extension annually solicits proposals for new efforts around educational engagement, community-informed research, and practical guidance. Extension’s place-based educators across Wisconsin and specialists at UW-Madison and other UW campuses conduct needs assessments, work with local partnering organizations, and […]

• Community Economic Development
• EDA University Center
• Downtown/Main Streets
• Community Vitality & Placemaking
• Vernon County Government
• US Census Bureau – Vernon County
• UW System Market Research Census 2000 – County Profiles
• Vernon Economic Development Association www.veda-wi.org