Iowa State University provides education that benefits many and is available to even more because we work together as a system – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
It’s Our Land-grant Mission Iowa State University Extension and Outreach takes the university’s education and research to Iowans – into the communities where they live and work – that is the land-grant mission. We believe Iowans should have access to high-quality education and research that applies to their needs. Our purpose is to provide Iowans with educational programs based on research to strengthen Iowa’s economy and citizens’ quality of life.
Aligned with Iowa State Extension and Outreach can offer high-quality educational programs based on research because we have access to Iowa State University faculty, researchers and specialists. We work with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to give Iowa’s agricultural professionals information and education to grow the economic base of Iowa agriculture. Our Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) in the College of Engineering improves quality of life in Iowa by enhancing the performance of Iowa industry. Local governments and organizations depend on our community and economic development programs based in the College of Design to make communities better places to live and work. Iowa families get information and education from the College of Human Sciences through our programs; then they can make decisions to make their lives healthier, stronger. We work with many Iowa State University colleges and departments to offer K-12 youth experiences and education. This is how we empower young people to be better leaders tomorrow.
Community-based Education Extension and Outreach is a community-based network giving you and all Iowans access to Iowa State University research, educational and technological resources. Our network is made possible by partnerships with federal, state and county governments. It is our people – faculty, educators, and staff – who harness resources from the ISU colleges and campus units, as well as the 99 counties to lead programs and support efforts across the state. Who are Extension and Outreach people? We are 1,000 staff and faculty in the counties and on campus, 900 elected county extension council members, 17,000 volunteers, and 100 county extension offices. Our people include the ones who staff 8 statewide hotlines where Iowans find answers to financial, legal, and family transition questions; questions about health, family, home, horticulture, and livestock issues; and personal and health-related teen questions. We are your neighbors.
Connecting Iowans to Iowa State One million direct contacts 1 in 5 youth reached 1.5 million access Web resources 17,000 volunteer We connect YOU with Iowa State University’s academic programs and scientists in many ways. Each year nearly a million people directly benefit from Extension and Outreach educational programs. More than 94,000 youth participate in 4-H programs. That’s one in every five Iowa youth. We reach 1.5 million people through our websites and online educational materials and courses. In addition, 17,000 Iowans volunteer with us, increasing our capacity throughout the state. We makes it possible for you to benefit quickly and effectively. We focus on specific issues and provide educational programs that are relevant, needs-drive, and have the potential to make a significant difference to Iowans.
Serving Iowans: Economic Development Local program name or example We develop partnerships that strengthen Iowa’s economy. Companies who worked with our Center for Industrial Research and Service last year reported making $389 million in total economic impact and creating or retaining more than 5,600 jobs. (dated information - for use during 2014) Extension and Outreach community and economic development specialists provide training and build skills each year for more than 60,000 community leaders, local government officials, business owners, entrepreneurs, and volunteers. LOCAL EXAMPLE CAN BE ADDED HERE: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs like ________________ help Iowa’s economy prosper and grow. __________ is one way Extension and Outreach (select one: enhances the health of communities, grows businesses, or increases the wealth and quality of life for all Iowans). We also (use remaining two examples: enhance the health of communities, grow businesses, and increase the wealth and quality of life for all Iowans.)
Serving Iowans: Food and the Environment Local program name or example We take on food and environmental challenges, including the slowly unfolding crisis of our current drought. Farmers and agribusiness professionals come to us. Last year they participated in more than 300,000 learning opportunities, including live meetings, one-on-one consultations, and webinars. (dated information - for use during 2014) LOCAL EXAMPLE CAN BE ADDED HERE: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs like ________________ focus on local actions to produce a safe, sustainable, accessible, and affordable food supply to reduce food insecurity of Iowa families. They involve assessment, analysis, and education on all segments of Iowa’s local food system.
Serving Iowans: Health and Well-being Local program name or example Our educational programs help Iowans improve their health and well-being. Healthy employees support a healthier bottom line. Studies show for every $1 invested in worksite wellness, companies get a return of up to $6 in increased productivity, as well as reduced absenteeism and turnover. Our worksite wellness program includes six months of intervention at companies. (dated information – for use in 2014.) LOCAL EXAMPLE CAN BE ADDED HERE: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs like ________________ strive to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016. ________________ focuses on the (select one: financial health, physical health and nutrition, healthy behavior, work environment, community health, or needs of unique populations) of Iowans. Extension and Outreach also delivers community-based health and well-being education addressing (select all except one highlighted before: financial health, physical health and nutrition, healthy behavior, work environment, community health, and needs of unique populations).
Serving Iowans: K-12 Youth Outreach Local program name or example We also build science, technology, engineering, and math skills in our young people. Staying after school is a good thing – our 4-H afterschool programs served 17,000 K-12 youth. They strengthened skills in STEM, healthy living, citizenship, leadership, communication, and the arts. LOCAL EXAMPLE CAN BE ADDED HERE: Extension and Outreach programs like ________________ build leadership, citizenship, communication, and life skills in Iowa youth so they can reach their full potential. These programs include a strong focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills and help youth get excited about learning and discover new career choices.
Meeting the needs of Iowans Iowa State University resources are available to you because Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is in your community. We will take every opportunity to innovate and create partnerships so we can best serve you. At our finest, Extension and Outreach gives you a mechanism to join with others to address common concerns. We create an organized, science-based environment in which you can make decisions and act. We are people advancing people. (Embed link to Cathann Kress’s 2013 Annual Report message, click to start).
Connect with Us www.extension.iastate.edu Local contact information Add local contact information and photo – Local action photo could be of staff or council with clients, a community service project, or participants during a key program.