Engaging all Iowans in building a stronger state, preparing for a thriving future, and solving contemporary problems in research, education, and extension are central to the mission and vision of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (EO). Achieving these goals will hinge upon EO’s ability to innovate and respond to the needs and interests of Iowa’s diverse residents. Similar to other rural states, the composition of Iowa’s population is evolving in terms of race, nationality, economics, and education. The identities of EO staff do not reflect the communities EO is committed to serving; therefore, programming and activities may lack cultural relevance. In three small studies, Iowa State faculty and research assistants, EO staff, and community consultants (CCs) collaboratively organized local “study circles” and “action forums” in an effort to better understand underrepresented families’ needs in three Iowa counties. The team recruited 98 adults and youth to participate in these group discussions. Often, participants were not aware of EO’s mission, logo, or programs and services. Residents offered ideas for fostering familiarity, trust, and connection. CCs also listened to residents’ barriers to engagement, such as program formats and topics, and documented useful resources to enhance accessibility. Participants shared ideas for programs that they would be motivated to engage in. In this article, the authors outline connections to prior work, recommendations, and limitations.

In the state of Iowa, persistent disparities exist between the academic performance of African American youth and the overall student population. Communities in Iowa thus have a critical opportunity to promote academic success among African American youth. With the goal of addressing these disparities in education, we evaluated how best to collaborate with African American residents to build upon the strengths of families and to create new initiatives or modify existing programs to improve educational success. Community leaders, Iowa State University faculty, and university Extension and Outreach staff recruited 45 parents raising African American youth as well as experienced African American educators living in the community. These individuals participated in a series of study circles and action forums and shared their experiences and recommendations for strengthening educational programming for African American youth in the county. Their guidance informed program content, delivery approaches, implementation strategies, and outreach to the African American community in Iowa. Findings may be transferable to other contexts.