The program is called the Cooperative Extension Service because it is supported by three levels of government: county, state, and federal. Local Extension Agents are faculty members of the University of Florida. It is the Agent's job to extend the knowledge and resources of the University of Florida to local people. This is done through a process involving citizen volunteers to identify local needs and design educational activities (seminars, tours, demonstrations, newsletters, printed bulletins, personal consultation, etc.) to meet those needs. Cooperative Extension is located at 1702 Hwy 17-98 South in Bartow. The phone number is (863) 519-8677.

Local educational programs and activities are also supported by subject matter specialists (faculty) at the University of Florida. Some of the programs currently offered in Polk County include: residential horticulture for county residents, Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program, 4-H youth development, Polk County Youth Fair, Agri-Fest, nutrition education for low-income families, LAKEWATCH, water conservation, and water quality education. Other programs include: training and testing for pesticide applicators, frost warning for agricultural producers, commercial citrus management, commercial ornamental plant production, livestock and forage management, agricultural economic development, commercial dairy production, and commercial aquaculture production.

Volunteers are an important component of Cooperative Extension's educational programs. Volunteers serve as 4-H Club leaders, youth activity leaders, Master Gardeners, LAKEWATCH volunteers, and advisory committee members, etc. The Cooperative Extension Service also works with many other agencies and organizations to help people improve their quality of life and protect the environment.

The Cooperative Extension Office also manages the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex. Facilities at the Agricultural Center include: the W.H. Stuart Conference Center, which will handle groups as large as 300 or more people; South Auditorium (up to 100 people); Valencia Room (up to 40 people); Clover Room (up to 20 people); and Conference Room (up to 12 people). The facility also houses the Hayman Arena for indoor livestock shows and two animal barns with tie stalls. Agricultural Center facilities may be used for “educational fairs, shows, expositions, meetings and sales (sponsored by grower organizations) which will promote the welfare of good agriculture and industry, and foster the growing of better crops and the raising of better livestock...” A nominal fee, to help defray expenses, is charged to qualified groups for use of the facilities.