Every year more than 1 million people directly benefit from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach programs, and we connect with millions more online. We’re building a strong Iowa.
For example:
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Our Growing Together project has donated more than 62,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables into the Iowa food pantry system thanks to ISU Extension and Outreach nutrition education, Master Gardeners and ISU Research and Demonstration Farms.
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4-H Youth Development builds skills in young people to improve their college and career readiness, close the educational achievement gap and encourage young professionals to commit to rural Iowa. Last year we reached about 100,000 K-12 youth.
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Farmers can get real-time forecasts from FACTS (Forecast and Assessment of Cropping sysTemS). The project represents 20 cropping systems across Iowa and answers questions about the impact of current weather conditions on crop yields, as well as the status of soil water and nitrogen availability.
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Our money management programs help Iowans with decisions related to spending, saving, and credit and debt management. These building blocks of financial management impact their quality of life.
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We’re partnering with the City of Dubuque to address business and residential engagement along the city’s Central Avenue Corridor. In Phase I of this revitalization process, we’re assessing needs of corridor businesses and residents.
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Iowa families are learning to buy, eat and live healthy with our nutrition education programs. They’re budgeting their food dollars, planning meals and making wise food choices.
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A community art project in Perry culminated in a collaborative photography exhibition by local fifth-graders that sparked public conversation. Residents discussed how to increase economic development opportunities, broaden the community and preserve Perry’s rural heritage.
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Farmers are implementing strategies to reduce nutrient loss and improve Iowa waterways. Extension specialists and researchers support them as they share best practices with their neighbors.
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Our 4-H Clover Kids program for K-3 youth grew 24 percent last year. Children learn and have fun as they try hands-on art, crafts and science experiments.
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As decreasing commodity prices lead to lower net farm income and increased stress, we help producers examine their finances, evaluate alternatives and make informed decisions as they plan for the future.
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Our community and economic development specialists offer customer service workshops for Iowans in tourism-related industries. Participants learn how to promote local attractions, customize services to meet travelers’ expectations and add value to their services – increasing their bottom line.
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We offer Elevate, a research-based program that provides couples with practical skills and knowledge to improve their relationships.
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Our nationally recognized Culturally-based Youth Leadership Accelerators provide opportunities for youth of color to use their culture, history and traditions to explore healthy living, STEM, citizenship, leadership, communication and the arts.
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We provide ServSafe® food safety training to certify foodservice workers in hospitals, schools, restaurants and other commercial establishments. When foodservice workers follow safe food handling procedures, Iowans are less likely to get foodborne illnesses.
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Our Indicators Portal provides one-stop access to reliable, current data including workforce, demographic, income and housing statistics. We’re positioning our faculty and staff to be experts on all things Iowa and a better resource for local decision-makers.
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Through our Beginning Farmer Center, retiring farmers and land owners connect with the next generation, women, veterans and others who want to farm in Iowa.
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Our Juntos program brings together families, schools and community partners to help Latino youth successfully complete high school. Parents gain skills to support their middle schoolers as they prepare for high school and explore opportunities for higher education.
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We educate producers, conduct research and help develop job training programs to support Iowa’s $420 million grape and wine industry.
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Our C6 BioFarm Game helps young people learn about agricultural production, bioenergy, sustainability and related careers. The interactive online app is one way to increase agricultural literacy in the next generation.
Join us.
- Call our hotlines or visit our 100 ISU Extension and Outreach county offices across the state.
- Contact your county extension council; 900 locally elected council members serve Iowa.
- Join more than 16,000 volunteers who partner with us.
January 2017
ISU Extension and Outreach did not produce an annual report for 2015. For facts and financials from 2015, Quick Facts (January 2016) printable pdf.