A new model of land-grant extension science that puts communities in the driver's seat
The Challenge
The traditional model of land-grant extension science has often rested on experts generating knowledge and delivering it to communities. In practice, this model is often too slow, top-down, and misaligned with what communities need. Closing the gap between scientific discovery and community impact requires not just better science communication, but a fundamentally different model of how science is practiced.
Our Approach
Community Learning through Data-Driven Discovery (CLD3) is a co-designed model that centers community partners in defining problems, identifying data, generating insights, and moving toward action. Developed in partnership with colleagues at the University of Virginia and Colorado State University, CLD3 blends data science with participatory action research. My team has institutionalized the ISU version of CLD3, adding human-centered design elements that enhance co-creation, trust-building, and actionable impact.
The Data Science for the Public Good (DSPG) program is the training complement, including an immersive summer fellowship in which student teams work on applied community data science projects across Iowa, teaching them to work at the intersection of data science, public policy, and community health.
Featured Work
- CLD3 selected as a priority area of ISU's legislative agenda; national team working toward Farm Bill inclusion
- $1M Gates Foundation investment in CLD3 program development
- National CLD3 website and training infrastructure (cld3.org); training delivered to western states Extension networks
- Iowa Community Action Association, Iowa DHHS, and multiple county-level CLD3 deployments
- DSPG program: dozens of student fellows trained annually; institutionalized in ISU Extension
- National awards for team-science approach to DSPG; broad media coverage
Funding & Partners
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USDA, University of Virginia Biocomplexity Institute, Colorado State University, ISU Extension and Outreach, Iowa Community Action Association.