“Making time to make a difference”: Program Effects of a Cultural Competency Training

Abstract

By the year 2044, more than half the United States population will be non-white. Extension is faced with the challenge of being inclusive in our multicultural world; thus, it is important that Extension educators receive cultural competency training. Cultural competency training based on and informed by intercultural theory and practice leads to increased awareness and knowledge and changes in professional practices. This paper presents qualitative evaluation results to document outcomes of an 18-hour cultural competency training for Extension and outreach professionals. The study focused on two research questions: Does cultural competency training impact professional practice of Extension and outreach professionals? What factors facilitate or inhibit the practice of new interculturally appropriate behaviors? An evaluation protocol was intentionally designed to test participants’ knowledge, skills, and professional practice changes. Previous work showed changes in knowledge and skills at post-training, as well as at six-month follow-up. Our findings in this study reflect that participants did make changes in some significant professional practices. It is possible to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills to make real change in their practices to better serve their communities