School Programs

Count on Illinois Extension to support youth centers and schools with our nutrition, agriculture, and gardening programs. Select the tabs on this page to find more information about our embryology program and gardening resources.

Request Help from our Horticulture Team

To request assistance for your program, please click the link for your location and program needs:

School Garden Support: Cook County Extension offers support to schools looking to improve upon or implement gardening programs. Priority is given to school groups that attend/attended our school and community garden training.

Youth Horticulture Programs: Cook County Extension provides presenters that will engage students in hands-on learning experiences.  Please request programs at least 10 weeks in advance to allow time to recruit volunteers.

Virtual School & Community Garden Training Starts Feb. 2025

This free three-part training series will help you gain the knowledge and confidence to start your school or community garden! Join Illinois Extension in Cook County for the 2025 training series. Attendance at all three sessions is highly recommended for new gardens requesting on-site assistance from Illinois Extension in Cook County.

Register here

Self-paced online garden course

If you've ever wanted to start a school or community garden but were not sure where to start, the School and Community Gardens course is for you! This self-paced, research-based online class gives you the tools you need to teach youth to garden. Learn how to build a thriving, long-lasting school garden program of any size.
Learn more and enroll