How can your community reverse outmigration of young talent?

In 2018, 86 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline, and almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent.

On May 19 at noon (CT), presenter Pam Schallhorn, University of Illinois Extension regional specialist in community and economic development, will discuss the development and implementation of community talent retention strategies and share insights into the opportunities remote work may provide for people to migrate back to rural communities.

Schallhorn says that the outmigration trend impacts communities in multiple ways, including school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, a skilled workforce, and business development. She recommends developing a strategic plan to address outmigration and attract young adults back into rural communities 

Register in advance to attend this free online event co-hosted by University of Illinois Extension and Rural Partners: go.illinois.edu/ReverseExodus

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Nancy Ouedraogo, organizer and Extension specialist, at esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged.

About the presenter:

Pam Schallhorn, Extension regional specialist in community and economic development, spent the past six years studying what prompts people, especially young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, to return or remain in rural communities. She holds a master’s degree in political studies and has assisted communities in conducting research by developing survey instruments and holding focus groups. Schallhorn brings over two decades of commercial lending experience to her role with Illinois Extension and served as director of the Small Business Development Center in Rockford, IL. Her teaching and research interests include entrepreneurial development, creative economies, reversing workforce out-migration, and building cultural awareness.