Building Community, Empowering Minds

Illinois Junior Chefs inspire youth across southern Illinois
ANNA, Ill. – Dozens of southern Illinois youth took to the kitchen this summer through Illinois Junior Chefs, a hands-on cooking and nutrition education program offered by University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed. Held across Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and...

University of Illinois Extension announces NC State agricultural leader as its new director
URBANA, Ill. — Matthew Vann has been named the new associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension, the flagship public engagement organization...

IDNR Resource Trunks available throughout southernmost Illinois
ANNA, Ill. – Teachers, homeschool groups, youth leaders, and curious learners across southern Illinois now have access to a unique, hands-on way to explore the natural world thanks to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Through a special partnership,...

Youth robotics competition celebrates the youth's creativity and ingenuity
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. ­– Youth from 22 teams across Illinois demonstrated their learning, celebrated their accomplishments, and interacted with others who share an interest in robotics at the 2025 4-H Robotics Competition, AiBot held at the Interstate Center on the McLean County Fairgrounds on May 3...

Summer Twilight Series continues the tradition of learning and connection with local growers
SIMPSON, Ill. - For a decade, the Summer Twilight Series has been a beloved tradition in southern Illinois, bringing farmers, educators, and community members together to explore the diversity and innovation of local agriculture. Now in its tenth year, Illinois Extension is proud to continue...