This paper presents in broad lines the current Cooperative Extension Service in the United States of America. Our aim is to make use of experiences that can help improve the Brazilian rural educational system in a moment when the federal government incorporates this theme to its agenda. It is worth noting that most extension educational programs in the United States are aimed at the rural public in agricultural areas, however, they have been reaching more urban audiences in recent years. Even though there are obvious contextual differences between Brazil and the United States, the Cooperative Extension Service - officially created almost 100 years ago but existing in practice for nearly 200 years - can provide contributions to the decentralized Brazilian model. Perhaps the most important contribution is the historical emphasis on "offering information to farmers and other audiences so that they can solve their own problems, and improve their living conditions". Additionally, it could also be important for Brazilians to consider the emphasis that is placed on staff qualification and on continual evaluation and update of work plans in the Cooperative Extension Service.
Cooperation; non-formal education; rural extension