JACKSONVILLE – Illinois 4-H members will experience new leadership opportunities, courtesy of a $10,000 donation from Dakota Access Pipeline, LLC to the Illinois 4-H Foundation. Illinois FFA members received a similar $10,000 donation. 

Some funding goes directly to youth in the 12 Illinois counties the pipeline traverses. In addition, the donation will fund statewide conference and eduational curriculum. In total, Dakota Access donated $90,000 to youth in North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, and Iowa.

“Illinois 4-H empowers and prepares Illinois youth for success by providing opportunities where they learn, practice, and demonstrate skills needed for home, career, and global citizenship,” says Angie Barnard, Illinois 4-H Foundation executive director. “We are very appreciative of Dakota Access supporting the future of Illinois through its youth and we look forward to seeing how these fund will increase opportunities around new and creative ideas related to science, hands-on education and learning.”

“Illinois FFA and its 19,099 members are grateful for Dakota Access' generosity and support. This grant provides opportunities for members to develop their leadership skills and prepare for their futures,” says Mindy Bunselmeyer, Illinois FFA Foundation executive director. “The donation covered State Convention registration costs for 82 delegates from schools within the counties the pipeline traverses. It also supported the State Convention as the Business Session Sponsor, a program that allows FFA members to address agriculture issues, facing FFA members in the future.”

In 2017, gifts of $120,000 from Dakota Access Pipeline provided funding for events, curriculum implementation, stewardship programs, traveling expenses, and membership needs. The pipeline traverses approximately 177 miles across twelve counties in Illinois.