News releases

Grundy County youth earn top honors at Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Youth from across the state demonstrated confidence, creativity, and communication skills during the University of Illinois Extension 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held April 25 at Parkland College in Champaign, including two...

Three local 4-H members earn state scholarships for excellence and leadership
URBANA, Ill. — The career achievements of University of Illinois Extension 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Three local youth from Manhattan, Grant Park, and Orland Park, respectively, were recognized as statewide winners of...

Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference builds confidence, leadership skills in young teens
Springfield, Ill.—Nearly 90 seventh and eighth grade youth learned ways to improve their leadership skills at the 2026 4-H Junior Leadership Conference (JLC) held March 7-8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. This event is planned and hosted by the Illinois 4-H Youth Leadership Team....

Livestock contest participation grows 38% as youth sharpen decision-making, communication, and leadership skills
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their livestock evaluation skills during the 2026 State Livestock Judging Contest held April 27 on the University of Illinois campus. A total of 250 youth participated in the event, representing a 38% increase in participation...

Young Illinois 4-H members showcase confident voice, speaking at statewide public speaking contest
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Youth from across the state demonstrated confidence, creativity, and communication skills during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held April 25 at Parkland College in Champaign.The annual event brings together top youth...

Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...

“The kitchen table of the University:" Statewide tour highlights Extension’s local impact
JOLIET, Ill. — From neighborhood gardens to community partnerships, University of Illinois Extension is helping residents access research-based solutions close to home. Members of the Illinois Extension leadership team saw that work firsthand during...

'It's more than plants and landscapes:' Recognizing horticulture volunteers during National Volunteer Week
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — In communities across Illinois, the impact of a vegetable garden or a monarch waystation often begins long before the first seed is planted. It begins with a volunteer. During National Volunteer Week, University of Illinois Extension...

Illinois 4-H youth showcase equine expertise in statewide contests
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth from across the state demonstrated their knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the equine industry during the 2026 State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Speaking contests, held April 13 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. These...

Illinois 4-H members bring youth voice to federal leaders in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Illinois 4-H youth joined delegates from across the country for the 2026 National 4-H Conference, held April 10-15, where they engaged in roundtable discussions and presented directly to federal partner agencies. Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’...

‘Beyond Ready starts with you:’ 4-H recognizes volunteer efforts
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — As National Volunteer Week is observed nationwide, University of Illinois Extension is recognizing the role volunteers play in delivering research-based programs like 4-H, which has been preparing youth to be...

4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...

Illinois Extension volunteers drive $353K in local impact across three Northern Illinois counties
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — For more than a century, University of Illinois Extension has developed educational programs, extended knowledge, and built partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land grant...

Illinois Extension specialty crop expert’s legacy built on grower trust
URBANA, Ill. — When something feels off with a specialty crop like peaches, apples, or horseradish, one phone number growers may have on speed dial is Elizabeth Wahle. Since 2002, Wahle has been with...

Rediscover your love of the outdoors with University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist Training
OTTAWA, Ill. – Do you love spending time outside? Do you enjoy sharing your curiosity about the natural world with others? If so, the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program may be the perfect fit for you.The Master Naturalist program connects adult learners with...

4-H Green Communities Program marks fifth year with 1,150 new oak trees planted across Illinois
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts. In...

Illinois 4-H teens build career-ready skills at Ignite by 4-H Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.Hosted by National 4-H...

Illinois Extension and 4-H showcase statewide impact at inaugural Day at the Capitol
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension staff gathered in the state Capitol on March 25 to showcase how Extension and Illinois 4-H strengthen communities statewide and to call for an increased...

Prepare for food preservation season with free pressure canner testing
URBANA, Ill. — As gardeners begin planting seedlings and planning for warmer weather, it’s also time to think about what needs to be preserved. Home preservation methods like canning, freezing, dehydration, and fermentation extend the shelf life of foods compared to storing fruits and vegetables...

Illinois Extension staff spotlight: Olivia Koerner
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Each month University of Illinois Extension serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties sits down with an Extension staff member to discuss their work and impact in the community.This month's spotlight features...