Students in the Red Oak Community School District’s FORGE Program recently had the opportunity to engage in an authentic, real-world learning experience through a collaboration with community leader Larry Brandstetter. This partnership challenged students to think critically, collaborate professionally, and apply their skills beyond the classroom.

FORGE team members Dillan Rydberg, Emmanuel Grass, Jackson Perdue, Reese Montgomery, and Pace Chaillie began the project with an initial brainstorming session focused on innovation and regional growth. With guidance and feedback from Brandstetter, the students refined their early ideas and elevated them into a fully formed concept for a Southwest Iowa Innovation Center.

Throughout the process, Larry Brandstetter provided valuable insight from a stakeholder and community perspective, helping students understand how ideas move from concept to proposal in real-world settings. Students worked through multiple revisions, strengthening their vision while considering feasibility, impact, and long-term value for the region.

The culmination of this work was a professional proposal and stakeholder-ready presentation that clearly outlines the team’s vision for the Innovation Center. Designed to support upcoming meetings and pitch opportunities, the presentation reflects not only the students’ creativity but also their ability to communicate ideas effectively to a professional audience.

This experience exemplifies the mission of the FORGE Program—to connect students with community partners and provide hands-on, project-based learning that builds critical skills such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. By working directly with a community leader, students gained firsthand experience in innovation planning and learned how meaningful partnerships can help turn ideas into actionable opportunities.

Red Oak CSD is grateful to Larry Brandstetter for investing his time and expertise in our students. Partnerships like this strengthen both student learning and our broader community, preparing students to be thoughtful leaders and contributors in Southwest Iowa and beyond.