2025 National EFNEP Coordinators' Conference

1890s session

EFNEP’s programmatic reach is limited by attrition. Annual adult EFNEP attrition rates regularly exceed 20%, with 23% of adult participants dropping out of the program in federal fiscal year 2023. Existing research on adult EFNEP attrition is retrospective in that it analyzes the determinants of attrition after it already occurs. The emergence of artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning techniques, provides an opportunity for predictive analysis. Machine learning is defined as computationally intensive algorithms that transform a set of inputs for feature extraction and pattern recognition. This study develops a machine learning model that utilizes standardized program data to identify adult EFNEP participants at high risk of attrition during the initial program lessons. The developed model allows program administrators to use pre-data (collected after the initial program lesson) for current participants to identify whether they are at risk of dropout. The model was fitted using national WebNEERS program data (pre 24-hour dietary recalls, pre questionnaires, and pre demographics) from federal fiscal years 2013 to 2022 for over 1.25 million adult EFNEP participants. Three alternative machine learning models were considered (logistic regression, eXtreme Gradient Boosting, and random forest), with the eXtrement Gradiant Boosting model performing best, predicting adult EFNEP attrition with 75% accuracy.  Key predictors of attrition included social determinants of health, pre-EFNEP food behaviors, pre-EFNEP physical activity behaviors, and state. Future research should explore the mechanism through which the identified factors affect attrition to allow program leaders to develop targeted interventions and implement program modifications to improve retention.

Retaining EFNEP Educators in a Competitive Job Market: In today’s competitive job market, retaining skilled EFNEP educators is more challenging than ever. This workshop is designed to share strategies for maintaining a committed and motivated workforce despite the growing pressures of external job opportunities and shifting employment trends.

Participants will examine the unique challenges faced by EFNEP educators, including workload demands, career development needs, and the lure of higher-paying jobs. Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, the session will explore innovative retention strategies that emphasize employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. We’ll highlight the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive work environment, recognizing achievements, and providing clear pathways for career advancement within Extension.

Attendees will also learn how to leverage non-financial incentives, such as flexible schedules and opportunities for continuous learning, to boost morale and reduce turnover. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with creative approaches to ensure EFNEP educators feel valued, supported, and invested in their roles.

Empowering New Educators: The Evolution and Impact of Our EFNEP Mentor Program: A mentor focuses on supporting the growth and development of new team members, resulting in positive work relationships that often lead to job retention. As we all know, there are many moving parts to being a nutrition educator. During onboarding, new educators can often feel overwhelmed or isolated as they begin to understand and navigate their positions. Since 2020, recently hired educators across Iowa State University’s EFNEP program have been paired up with a mentor to receive guidance and encouragement outside of their direct unit. Our mentors create a safe, respectful space to problem solve real-life situations and scenarios that may occur while working with our program audience. The topics that we focus on include setting boundaries, successful recruitment, handling teaching distractions, and building and maintaining partnerships. The mentors within our program serve as an additional support system to help our newest team members feel connected and valued. The mentor program has evolved over the years into a sustainable offering for our new team members. Join us as we share about how we select educators to serve as mentors, the materials we have created to guide mentor meetings and trainings for mentors, and how we support and acknowledge educators as they continue to go above and beyond in serving our program. Whether you have a small or large EFNEP program, we will share ways that you can provide this valuable resource for your team to continue creating a welcoming space for new educators to grow and thrive.