About ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach helps carry Iowa State’s land-grant mission beyond campus, to be the university that best serves its state. With Iowa State University, we embrace the land-grant philosophy of:

• access to high-quality education
• research applied to the needs of Iowa, the nation, and world
• extending knowledge to strengthen Iowa’s economy and citizens’ quality of life

We do that by offering practical, how-to education based on powerful university research. It’s available to any resident of Iowa and is tailored to meet the needs of Iowans, needs we know firsthand. Our educators, specialists, and volunteers live and work in all 99 Iowa counties.

Vice President for Extension and Outreach

Read the latest From Cathann Kress: Newsletter from the Vice President for Extension and Outreach

Making a Difference for Iowans

Through research-based education we

• grow businesses and strengthen communities
• support a safe, sustainable, and affordable food supply
• help Iowa become the healthiest state in the nation
• prepare our young people for the future

Programs Aligned with ISU Colleges

We deliver on our purpose through five program areas aligned with Iowa State University colleges:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) in the College of Engineering
• Community and Economic Development in the College of Design
• Families in the College of Human Sciences
• 4-H Youth Development in K-12 youth outreach across Iowa State University

Learn more about our story.