Strengthening Access and Opportunity
Access aligns with Extension’s strategic plan and core values. Extension is committed to collaboration, credibility, inclusivity, and learning. Extension also fosters equitable and accountable relationships, builds trust with our communities, supports stakeholders, and delivers evidence-based knowledge. This commitment is essential for respecting the similarities, differences, and contributions of all people and communities across Illinois. Access creates pathways for Illinoisians. It allows Extension to effectively assess the needs of communities across the 102 counties and understand gaps, barriers, and opportunities. Access in Illinois Extension supports strong and resilient youth, families, and communities.
Access is also clear, actionable, and future-oriented. It emphasizes opportunity rather than abstraction and ensures that systems, practices, and structures work as intended for everyone. Centering access reflects a shared commitment to reducing barriers and expanding resources across education, research, employment, and community engagement. It also aligns with the institution’s legal, ethical, and educational responsibilities while remaining values-driven.
Access strengthens Extension’s community-engaged work, which centers on reciprocity and shared problem-solving in support of education, outreach, service, and the public good. Access makes visible our responsibility and guides a strategic process that facilitates mutually beneficial relationships between Extension and the communities served. It further fosters a strong internal community and intentionally connects Extension and the College of ACES to the people, places, and partners as part of the land-grant institution in Illinois.