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ISU Extension and Outreach Ag Leadership Conference 2026

The 10th Annual Ag Leadership Conference is December 2 and 3 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center. Please consider helping us celebrate ten years of impact! We invite you to partner with us in shaping a meaningful event.

Support the Annual Ag Leadership Conference as they celebrate 10 years of impact!

Support the Annual Ag Leadership Conference as they celebrate 10 years of impact! <p>The 10th Annual Ag Leadership Conference is December 2 and 3 at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center. Please consider helping us celebrate ten years of impact! We invite you to partner with us in shaping a meaningful event.</p> <strong>10 Years of Impact</strong> Jonathan Shavers presenting at Ag Leadership Conference As we celebrate the <strong>10th Annual Ag Leadership Conference</strong>, we are proud to mark this milestone with the theme <strong>Local Roots. Global Perspectives.</strong> For a decade, the conference has brought together agricultural professionals, farmers, business leaders, organizations, and students to learn, connect, and strengthen the future of agriculture through leadership development and collaboration. <strong>Why Support the Conference?</strong> The conference serves as a catalyst for leadership growth, professional development, and meaningful dialogue within agriculture. Through educational programming, networking opportunities, and mentorship connections, attendees gain valuable skills and insights that help them lead in an evolving industry. <strong>Featured Speakers</strong> Mashal HusainThis year's conference features an exceptional lineup of speakers and workshop facilitators. We are honored to welcome <strong>Mashal Husain</strong>, President of the World Food Prize Foundation, as our Wednesday keynote speaker, bringing a global perspective on food security and agricultural innovation. Attendees will also hear from <strong>Beth Howard</strong>, author, filmmaker, radio commentator, and the nationally recognized "Pie Lady." Beth will share insights from her award-winning documentary, <em>Pieowa: A Piece of America</em>, which will be screened as part of the conference experience. <strong>How Your Gift Makes a Difference</strong> The success of this conference is made possible through the generosity of sponsors, donors, and supporters who believe in investing in agricultural leadership. Your gift helps provide high-quality educational programming, expand mentorship opportunities, and ensure attendees have access to resources that support personal and professional growth. <strong>This donation page is intended for individuals who wish to make a personal contribution in support of the conference. Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities or corporate support are encouraged to visit our </strong><a href="https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/agleadershipconference/sponsor/"><strong>website</strong></a><strong> for additional information.</strong> As we celebrate 10 years of impact, we invite you to support a conference that continues to educate, connect, and inspire agricultural leaders. Every gift helps provide opportunities for learning, leadership development, and innovation that strengthen the future of agriculture. <strong>Together, we are investing in the future of agriculture. We look forward to welcoming you in December.</strong> <strong>Other ways to make your gift</strong> <strong>Mail</strong> Checks can be made payable to ISU Foundation and mailed to: ISU Foundation PO Box 2230 Ames, IA 50010 <strong>Payroll deduct</strong> Iowa State University employees may set up an automatic payroll deduction to support this project by printing and mailing this <a href="https://isuf.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#2E000000o2LP/a/Nu000003qoYT/lpdv6dZ0bThRHZTh12eulum78ofwSD9qJZbklBXO64g">online form</a>. Make sure to write 2707604 AG MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP FUND in the gift designation. Then mail to: ISU Foundation PO Box 2230 Ames, IA 50010

First Scholars Office FundISU

Support the Efforts of the First Scholars' Office

Help the First Scholars Office raise funds to support first generation Iowa State students!

Help the First Scholars Office raise funds to support first generation Iowa State students! <h1>Support the Efforts of the First Scholars' Office</h1> First Scholars Office First Scholars Fund The First Scholars General Fund provides flexible support for the programs, resources, and emergency assistance that first-generation and income-eligible students rely on throughout their college journey. Contributions to this fund enable the First Scholars Office to respond quickly to emerging student needs and invest in areas where support will have the greatest impact. Whether helping a student overcome an unexpected financial challenge, access essential academic resources, or participate in programs that foster belonging and leadership development, gifts to the fund ensure first-generation and income-eligible Cyclones have the support they need to persist, graduate, and thrive. Areas of Greatest Need for the First Scholars Office First-generation and income-eligible students at Iowa State University bring extraordinary determination and resilience to their college journey. However, financial barriers can create challenges that impact persistence and graduation. Philanthropic support allows the First Scholars Office to respond directly to student needs by providing targeted resources, emergency assistance, and developmental opportunities that help students stay enrolled, thrive, and graduate. The following areas represent the greatest opportunities for donors to make a meaningful impact on the lives of first-generation and income-eligible Cyclones. Your gift to the First Scholars Fund can help support: Student Retention & Emergency Support Unexpected financial barriers are one of the most common reasons students delay or leave college. Even relatively small expenses can interrupt a student’s ability to remain enrolled. Support in this area provides immediate assistance that helps students overcome financial challenges and continue their education. Emergency Grants Emergency grants provide short-term financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected circumstances that could disrupt their ability to remain enrolled at Iowa State. Unplanned expenses, such as housing instability, food insecurity, medical needs, or a sudden loss of income, can quickly become barriers to continuing coursework. This funding allows the university to respond quickly and provide immediate support so students can remain focused on their education during difficult times. Senior Completion Grants The First Scholars Senior Completion Grant provides targeted financial support to students in their final year who are at risk of delaying graduation due to unexpected financial hardship. Even small outstanding balances or required academic expenses can prevent students from enrolling in their final semester or receiving their degree. This funding helps ensure students can complete the degree they have worked so hard to achieve. Academic Success Support Pathways Book Scholarship The First Scholars Pathways Book Scholarship provides financial assistance for required textbooks and course materials for first-generation and income-eligible students with demonstrated financial need. Access to course materials at the start of the semester is critical for academic success, yet many students delay purchasing textbooks due to the cost. This scholarship ensures students can begin classes prepared and fully engaged in their coursework. Experiential Learning Opportunities Conference, Internship, and Study Abroad Scholarships Experiential learning opportunities such as internships, conferences, and study abroad programs can be transformative, but they are often financially out of reach for first-generation and income-eligible students. This scholarship helps cover costs such as conference registration, travel, passports, program fees, housing, and other related expenses so students can pursue opportunities that expand their academic, professional, and global perspectives. Community, Mentorship, and Student Development First Scholars Mentorship Program The First Scholars Mentorship Program connects students with Iowa State faculty and staff mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and institutional insight throughout the college experience. Mentors help students build confidence, develop professional skills, and navigate the university environment while forming meaningful relationships with trusted campus leaders. First Scholars Programming First Scholars programming provides workshops, events, and learning opportunities designed to support the success of first-generation and income-eligible students. Programs focus on financial literacy, navigating campus resources, leadership development, and career readiness while helping students build community and confidence. First-Generation Week First-Generation Week is a campus-wide celebration recognizing the achievements and experiences of Iowa State’s first-generation students. Through workshops, resource sessions, and community events, students connect with mentors, learn about campus resources, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the university community. Celebrating Milestones Graduation regalia is more than fabric. It represents years of perseverance, sacrifice, and achievement. Cap & Gown For many students, the final barrier to graduation is financial, not academic. Support ensures that first-generation and income-eligible students can fully participate in commencement by covering the cost of university regalia. This support allows students to celebrate their achievements with their families and be recognized for their years of hard work and perseverance. The Regalia Legacy Awards The Regalia Legacy Award honors notable first-generation undergraduate and Ph.D. students each year by providing a complete set of graduation regalia. This award was inspired by the legacy of Dr. Lyn Ann Brodersen Cochran, whose family generously donated her doctoral regalia. That act of generosity sparked a broader vision: transforming regalia from a financial obstacle into a symbol of belonging, mentorship, and legacy for future scholars. How You Can Make a Difference Your generosity directly supports first-generation and income-eligible students at Iowa State. Every gift to this fund, no matter the size, helps remove barriers, expand opportunities, and ensure students have the support they need to succeed. By investing in these initiatives, you are helping students persist through challenges, reach graduation, and become the next generation of Cyclone leaders. <strong><em>Make your gift to the First Scholars Fund today and help ensure every first-generation and income-eligible student can succeed at Iowa State University.</em></strong> Other ways to make your gift Mail Checks can be made payable to ISU Foundation and mailed to: ISU FoundationPO Box 2230Ames, IA 50010 Payroll deduct Iowa State University employees may set up an automatic payroll deduction to support this project by printing and mailing <a href="https://isuf.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#2E000000o2LP/a/Nu000003qoYT/lpdv6dZ0bThRHZTh12eulum78ofwSD9qJZbklBXO64g">this online form</a>. Make sure to write 2707411 FIRST SCHOLARS OFFICE FUND in the gift designation. Then mail to our address above. If you have questions or would like to discuss your gift with an ISU Foundation staff member, please email fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu or call 515-294-8536.

Food Security for Cyclones

Help ensure all Cyclones have access to food and essential personal care items through the ISU Food Pantry Support Fund!

Over the last year, on-campus food pantries have made the difference for Cyclones in need. Help ensure all students have food security at ISU!

Over the last year, on-campus food pantries have made the difference for Cyclones in need. Help ensure all students have food security at ISU! <p><strong>Help ensure all Cyclones have access to food and essential personal care items through the ISU Food Pantry Support Fund! </strong></p> The pantry Students Helping Our Peers (SHOP) at Iowa State University stands at the heart of the campus community’s efforts to ensure that every student has reliable access to nourishing food and personal care items. Since opening its doors to students in 2011, SHOP has evolved into a well-established, student-led resource, operating with confidentiality and dignity so that no one has to worry about where their next meal will come from. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year alone, <strong>S</strong><strong>HOP delivered 209,526 pounds of food during 16,906 visits</strong>, demonstrating the deep and growing need among students. In just the first quarter (July 1 – September 30) of 2025, the pantry has already served 4,921 visits and distributed 61,267 pounds of food. A study published in April 2025 by Donna Winham, associate professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State, found that <strong>36% of Iowa State students are food insecure</strong>. These figures speak loudly: food insecurity is real on campus, and this vital service is keeping thousands of Cyclones fed and supported. While volunteers power SHOP's day-to-day operations, generous donor support is what helps to keep the shelves stocked. While some of the food and personal-care items are donated, financial gifts enable the pantry to expand its reach, offer fresh and frozen items, and respond quickly when demand surges. With the number of students visiting and the volume of food distributed rising, your support matters more than ever. Every gift contributes to purchasing nutritious items, enhancing storage capacity, and enabling SHOP to operate as a welcoming, no-cost resource. In joining the effort, you’re helping reduce barriers to academic success, strengthen our community, and demonstrate that Cyclones care for one another. Please consider contributing — your gift keeps the pantry shelves open, the lights on, and students focused on learning instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from. <strong>Together, we will work to ensure food security for all Cyclones!</strong> <strong></strong> <strong>Other ways to make your gift</strong> <strong>Mail</strong> Checks can be made payable to ISU Foundation and mailed to: ISU Foundation PO Box 2230 Ames, IA 50010 <strong>Payroll deduct </strong> Iowa State University employees may set up an automatic payroll deduction to support this project by printing and mailing this <a href="https://isuf.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/2E000000o2LP/a/Nu000003qoYT/lpdv6dZ0bThRHZTh12eulum78ofwSD9qJZbklBXO64g">online form</a>. Make sure to write 2705708 ISU FOOD PANTRY FUND in the gift designation. Then mail to: ISU FoundationPO Box 2230Ames, IA 50010 If you have questions or would like to discuss your gift with an ISU Foundation staff member, please email <a href="mailto:fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu">fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu</a> or call 515-294-8536.

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