News

Illinois Extension Academy cohort poised to cultivate collaboration and impact
URBANA, IL — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen any project, especially when they help deliver University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s latest research and best practices to communities across Illinois and beyond.With the start of the fall...

Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery,...

Lifelong leader becomes Illinois Extension’s new 4-H assistant dean and director
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is celebrating a new era of statewide impact with the announcement of Kevin...

Beam signing cements progress on a mission-centered gathering place for University of Illinois Extension
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is poised to have its first central facility in its 100+ year history by Spring of 2027. The high-impact, geographically dispersed organization serves the state as the outward-facing public good unit...

Hunters Feeding Illinois returns
URBANA, Ill. — Hunters Feeding Illinois returns for its fourth season, in partnership with Feeding Illinois, Access Illinois Outdoors, ...

Don’t be in the dark when it comes to power grid resiliency in Illinois
URBANA, Ill. — Power is readily available at the flick of a switch, but what does it take to make that happen now and in the future for everyone? This September, representatives from the Union of Concerned Scientists will join University of Illinois Extension...

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 housed in...

High impact University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed programs face elimination
URBANA, Ill. — There are many barriers Illinois residents face in making healthy choices. For over 30 years, University of Illinois Extension’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programs have helped people stretch their food dollars while increasing their nutrition...

Extension invests in sustainability with growing natural resources, environment, energy team 
URBANA, Ill. — Change is constant in both the human and natural world — birds migrate, rivers change course, and winds shift. Helping people navigate those changes is a cornerstone of University of Illinois Extension’s mission. To support that cause...

Connections across Extension programs lead to lasting impact
URBANA, Ill. — Establishing connections is essential for the expansion of Illinois Extension. Interdisciplinary work shows how collaboration across programs brings valuable knowledge to new audiences and builds lasting relationships. From teams that improve food access and eliminate food deserts...

Why does the state need Illinois Extension?
The University of Illinois Extension just released a 10-year strategic plan that commits to serving the...

Get green: Explore funding opportunities for community environmental projects
URBANA, Ill. — Communities across Illinois are working to address legacy pollution and invest in clean energy technologies. Municipalities can explore grant opportunities to fund the installation of green infrastructure, the transition to clean energy, and the cleanup of polluted areas with a...

Learning and impact guide vision for University of Illinois Extension's new strategic plan
URBANA, Ill. — A committed mission, a bold vision, eight strategic priorities and signature initiatives, and an evergreen commitment to locally responsive programming are the hallmarks of University of Illinois Urbana-...

Extension interim assistant dean, program leader sustains and strengthens community and economic development programs
URBANA, Ill. — For more than 100 years, University of Illinois Extension experts have worked in communities around the state, providing research-based solutions for life’s everyday problems. In that time, Extension outreach efforts have evolved from...

Extension empowers rural communities transition to sustainable energy sources with new program
URBANA, Ill. — Power is so readily available, literally at the flick of a switch, that it is all too easy to forget how this valuable resource arrives in our homes and businesses and where it comes from. Energy demands are increasing across Illinois, and communities have difficult...

Illinois Extension’s new strategic priorities and initiatives revealed in town hall event
URBANA, Ill. — A bold vision, eight strategic priorities and signature initiatives, and a continued commitment to locally responsive programming are the hallmarks of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension’s new, 10-year...

Illinois Extension announces 2025 cohort in program promoting public service careers
URBANA, Ill. — The Illini Science Policy Program, administered by University of Illinois Extension, is excited to name seven University of Illinois graduates to its fifth class of ISPP Scholars. By...

Thriving Communities webinars offered for grant navigation, strategic planning
URBANA, Ill. — Sustainable development in Illinois encounters challenges in balancing resource demand with responsible management. Transitioning to sustainable infrastructure involves substantial investment and planning, including upgrading existing structures for energy efficiency and...

Opportunity to learn practical money management strategies
URBANA, Ill. — Navigating financial management can often seem overwhelming and intimidating, particularly for those uncertain about how to begin. Studies have shown that financial stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and emotional well-being. Therefore, having access to practical...

Illinois Extension selected to establish environmental assistance center to help Illinois communities
URBANA, Ill. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, is funding the creation of Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers to help rural and underserved communities access state and federal funding for environmental...