Responsiveness

In the fall of FY03, University Extension conducted a comprehensive “futuring” process with citizens and staff. Among the outcomes are actions that will

• Connect Extension more actively with community initiatives, allocating at least 20 percent of the budget to this activity—changing over the years with the priorities of Iowa communities

• Align programming more closely with priorities of state government and, thereby, the people of the state

• Support different types of local offices consistent with county budgets and service demands

• Focus on high-level content and provide training and define expectations of staff and faculty to continuously improve subject matter knowledge

• Add to the cooperation and partnerships with others in the education and technical assistance business

• Increase program focus on economic growth and development

The following examples illustrate ways in which Extension responds to the needs of constituencies and builds bridges among diverse communities.

Annually, 20,000 to 26,000 Iowa youth have six or more hours of contact with E-SET programs, either through 4-H or their classrooms. E-SET (Extension-Science, Engineering and Technology) is a cooperative program between ISU Extension and the Iowa Space Grant Consortium that fosters an interest in science among youth and helps teachers improve science, engineering, and technology education.

More than 30,000 youth (K-6th grade) have participated in Growing in the Garden and Where We Live, ISU Extension curricula that demonstrate connections among agriculture, natural resources, food, and people. Hands-on activities help children develop life skills and meet standards and benchmarks for a variety of subject matter areas measured by Iowa schools.

In 2005, ISU Extension provided noncredit educational programming to nearly 433,000 lifelong learners. Continuing Education and Communication Services (CECS) served 4,378 students enrolled in distance education credit courses in 305 communities located in 91 Iowa counties. In addition, CECS facilitated conferences, special events, and educational programs reaching nearly 47,000 participants. Nearly 8 million pieces of online educational materials were downloaded from Extension’s website.

University Extension has been working with researchers, extension specialists, and policy makers in four Midwestern states in a three-year study of childcare. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation provided funding. During the first year of the study, the Midwest Childcare Research Consortium researchers completed interviews with more than 2,000 caregivers and observed more than 350 caregivers in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas. The observed quality of family child and infant care was found to be significantly worse in Iowa than in the other three states. Results have implications for school readiness, child abuse, and workforce recruitment. Recommendations for policy improvement have included improving childcare regulation and enforcement as well as improving professional development opportunities and incentives.

ISU Extension’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) has had a structural role in the state’s new bioprocessing industry—helping organize BIOWA, a nonprofit trade association to support and promote growth and development of Iowa’s bioeconomy, and working with stakeholders on a plan to build the state’s bioeconomy. Long-term goals include developing at least 10 regional biorefineries in Iowa by 2020, building at least five new bio-businesses per year or expanding existing bio-businesses, and providing investment and employment opportunities.

Extension provided programs, community development, and organizational support in 87 of the state’s 99 counties and in 78 cities. Extension trained 7,571 citizen and community leaders, 2,247 government officials, and 323 business entrepreneurs. In addition, 455 organizations were assisted and strengthened. Extension sponsors and collaborates in leadership academies that help communities find new leaders. For example, participants in the Perry Leadership Project have run for city council and school board positions, been appointed to the planning and zoning commission, and participated in a citywide planning initiative. Seven communities completed Extension leadership programs, and 2,579 individuals throughout the state participated in leadership training.

The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) is a national virtual resource center for value-added agricultural groups. Its purpose and mission is to provide independent producers and processors with critical information to build successful value-added agricultural enterprises. The Center combines expertise of Extension, the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), and the Departments of Economics at Iowa State University, Kansas State University, and the University of California to help clients locate necessary resources as they proceed with value-added agricultural businesses. The center works with other leading land-grant universities on value-added projects. Partial support is derived from the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service. The AgMRC recorded more than 4 million hits to its website during 2004 and answered more than 300 questions on topics ranging from organic beef production to marketing farmer grown and processed jelly. Six groups that were successful in applying for value-added producer grants from USDA had requested assistance from AgMRC with various contacts and information to use in their grant applications.