News : Celebrate ISU Extension and Outreach Week March 25-31

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is thanking partners across the state and promoting its educational programs during a statewide celebration this month. ISU Extension and Outreach Week, March 25-31, includes activities on the Iowa State campus, across the state and in Benton County.

“The weeklong celebration is just one way we can say ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers, community leaders, organizations, agencies and other partners who support Extension and Outreach work in Benton County,” said Greg Walston, Benton County Program Director.

Gov. Terry Branstad will officially sign a proclamation on March 27 declaring the dates as Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week.

When you stop in at your local bank, check out the tri-fold display about programs offered by the Benton County Extension Office.

“As a land-grant university, Iowa State was founded on three big ideas: to open higher education to all, to teach practical classes and to share knowledge far beyond the campus borders,” said Cathann Kress, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach. “ISU Extension and Outreach is dedicated to providing education that makes a difference in Iowans’ everyday lives.”

Extension and Outreach is part of an educational network supported by Iowa State University, local county governments and the United States Department of Agriculture. Every county extension district in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how local tax dollars are spent to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level. ISU Extension and Outreach delivers through five program areas aligned with Iowa State University colleges: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), Community and Economic Development, Families, and 4-H Youth Development.

"ISU Extension and Outreach anticipates emerging issues and trends so Iowans can thrive and succeed," Kress said. "We act in catalytic ways to create opportunities and build relationships, and we stay for the long haul to be there when needs arise. We are committed to Iowans and plan to be a vital part of Iowa's future."

“Last year about 1.8 million people, including almost 94,000 youth, benefited from ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs. We want to make sure everyone knows that Extension and Outreach is dedicated to helping Iowans,” said Terry Maloy, president of the Iowa Association of County Extension Councils (IACEC). “ISU Extension and Outreach addresses local issues with research-based information and education to help people make better decisions in their personal, community and professional lives.”