Press Release

IA Education Foundation Announces Updated Mission & Vision

Nonprofit clearly defines direction and objectives

FALLS CHURCH, VA. (Sept. 13, 2010) — The Irrigation Association Education Foundation has implemented new mission and vision statements following its summer meeting of the Board of Trustees and key volunteer leaders.

IAEF Mission: Advance the irrigation industry using education that both attracts people into the profession and ensures ongoing professional success.
IAEF Vision: The foundation strives for a future where the irrigation industry is thriving with an ample supply of educated, highly skilled professionals who employ technology and best practices to provide efficient irrigation solutions that protect water resources.

“By making these statements more specific, the IAEF board believes we will better attract the key audiences we serve while more accurately communicating the organization’s goals and methodology,” said IAEF Board Chair Lynda Wightman.

Wightman noted that the Foundation serves a wide variety of audiences: college, university and technical school students; irrigation professionals; those changing careers into the irrigation industry; and high-school students. IAEF’s initiatives involve career education and outreach as well as the production of educational and teaching materials.

“These well-defined, detailed statements will also help clarify to donors why the Foundation needs their ongoing support, from funding to leadership,” she continued.

The board also refined the Foundation’s core strategic initiatives to focus on career awareness and recruitment; education, including developing resources for academia and industry; resources; and marketing.

About the Irrigation Foundation
Created by the Irrigation Association, the Irrigation Foundation aims to be the recognized authority on irrigation education. Established more than two decades ago with the simple goal of granting scholarships to students, the Foundation was re-launched in 2005. Its new mission is to advance the irrigation industry using education that both attracts people into the profession and ensures ongoing professional success. The Foundation promotes education, career awareness and career recruitment through programs for both students and industry professionals.