About ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach helps carry Iowa State’s land-grant mission beyond the borders of campus. 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.

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 pre-collegiate outreach across Iowa State University

We take university research and turn it into learning opportunities

• so families make better nutrition choices …
• kids and teens explore interests that can lead to future careers …
• businesses improve their bottom line …
• local leaders can make their communities better places to live …
• and a lot more.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach education promotes….

Healthy People. Environments. Economies.