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Reversing the Exodus

Encourage young adults to live and work in their home communities

Communities are looking for answers on how to reverse the outmigration of young adults. Based on the new census data 87 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline between 2010 and 2020. Almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced an outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent, and unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing.

University of Illinois Extension's Reversing the Exodus program offers several research-based strategies communities can implement now to help reverse the trend, including insights into how remote work may provide more opportunities for people to migrate back to rural communities. The program often includes a young adult panel discussion.

There are so many things that are impacted by the outmigration of young adults from rural communities, including school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, a skilled workforce and business development. Developing a strategic plan to address outmigration and attract young adults back into rural communities could have a major impact on a community’s future. – Pam Schallhorn

REVERSING THE EXODUS 2.0 Summit in Southern Illinois

On August 29, 2023, Illinois Extension and the CREATE BRIDGES project presented Reversing the Exodus 2.0 at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, IL. During the day-long summit speakers discussed emerging trends and effective strategies that communities in southern Illinois can use to reverse the out migration of its young adults.

Extension Specialists, Pam Schallhorn and Susan Odum presented an updated version of Reversing the Exodus that had previously been presented in southern Illinois in December 2021. Susan Odum, Extension Specialist and co-director of the CREATE BRIDGES project in southern-Illinois provided updates on the project and future opportunities for the region available through a RISE grant. State Extension Specialist and Director of the Illinois Census Data Center, Zach Kennedy was on hand to bring the latest information on population change in southern Illinois.

A young adult panel session was included after lunch. Jennifer Olson from the city of Marion discussed how her city is utilizing its young adult advisory panel, called The Influencers, to assist with planning and future development. Finally, Trish Steckenrider, Ashlee Spiller and Carol Hoffman, tourism professionals from across the region were invited to discuss ways to spur in-migration of residents both old and young by effectively marketing southern Illinois’ abundant natural amenities and recreational opportunities.

Interested in bringing the summit to your region? Contact Susan Odum or Valerie Belusko for more information.

Panel of tourism experts from southern Illinois

Developing a Young Adult Advisory Panel

In May of 2018, Reversing the Exodus was presented to the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce' leadership class. Following the presentation, Kris Noble, Executive Director of the Chamber led the development of a young adult advisory panel now called the Sauk Valley Keystone group with seven collaborating organizations. Watch this short video to learn how the panel was created, who participated and the results the Sauk Valley area have seen from this energetic and talented group of young people.