The University of California Cooperative Extension is part of a nationwide program established by Congress in 1914 as part of the Land-Grant University in every state. The University of California Cooperative Extension works in cooperation with federal, state and county governments to provide local educational programs throughout California. Federal funds, through the USDA, provide a portion of the budget. The state, via the University, pays academic employee salaries and provides statewide program operation funds. County government provides funding for overall operations for local Cooperative Extension Offices.

The mission of the University of California Cooperative Extension is to extend information developed at the University of California to enhance quality of life and the environmental and economic well-being of the citizens of California through research and education. Cooperative Extension has research support and organizational capacity in agriculture and natural resources, in family and consumer sciences, in community resources development and in youth development.

University of California advisors are housed in County Cooperative Extension offices throughout California. These advisors extend knowledge and provide county research in selected Cooperative Education program areas. Specialists housed on University campuses conduct research, provide information for dissemination, and leadership for statewide programs.

County advisors are vital links in the development of and the extension of knowledge from the University to the public. They maintain close links with key community leaders and with other agencies and services at the county level. Specialists serve as resources for county advisors and for public and private agencies at the state level. Advisors are instrumental at the County level for solving problems through research.