VIENNA, Ill. — Forty-six 4-H Teen Leaders representing five southern Illinois high schools traveled to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from Oct. 16–18 for an immersive, three-day college and career exploration experience hosted by University of Illinois Extension 4-H, serving Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties (AJMPU). The visit offered youth the opportunity to explore academic departments, interact with campus leaders, and gain insight into college life at Illinois’ flagship land-grant university. Students from Cairo, Cobden, Egyptian, Goreville, and Vienna high school 4-H Teen Leader Clubs participated in the trip, which was designed to inspire youth leadership, expand career awareness, and connect students with higher education pathways. Throughout the visit, participants experienced first-hand the breadth of programs available at UIUC through engaging tours, interactive learning sessions, and one-on-one conversations with faculty, staff, and students. A highlight of the trip was a morning meet-and-greet with Dr. Matthew Vann, the new associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension. Vann welcomed the southern Illinois group to campus, sharing his vision for the future of Illinois Extension and emphasizing the vital connection between local communities and the university’s statewide mission. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about college readiness, agricultural innovation, and leadership development. Vann encouraged them to see themselves as future leaders who can shape their hometowns and communities. During the visit, participants explored several academic departments within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), including Food Science and Human Nutrition, Animal Sciences, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. Many students identified their tour of the College of Veterinary Medicine as the most impactful part of the experience. They viewed laboratories, clinical spaces, and diagnostic facilities while speaking with veterinary students and faculty about careers in animal health, wildlife care, and research. “The Vet Med tour opened my eyes to how many career paths exist beyond being a traditional veterinarian,” said one teen leader from Johnson County. “It made me realize how science, technology, and compassion can come together to make a real difference.” Beyond classroom and laboratory tours, the itinerary also included campus dining experiences, recreation center activities, and guided walks through iconic locations such as the Illini Union and Main Quad. Evening reflection sessions, using a Qualtrics survey, allowed students to share what they learned, discuss college expectations, and set future goals related to academic achievement and community leadership. University of Illinois Extension staff, including 4-H youth development educators and program coordinators, facilitated group discussions and team-building activities throughout the trip. The experience reinforced 4-H’s commitment to positive youth development through experiential learning, leadership training, and career exploration. “This trip connects rural students with opportunities they might not otherwise experience,” said Jody Johnson, county Extension director. “Our goal is to help them envision their future—whether it’s at the University of Illinois or through another postsecondary path—and see that higher education is achievable and career choices are plentiful.” The 4-H Teen Leader trip exemplifies how University of Illinois Extension continues to invest in the next generation of community leaders by bridging the gap between local youth and the resources of a world-class research institution, beginning locally in the 4-H Teen Leader Clubs of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties.
SOURCE: Kristi Stout, 4-H Youth Extension Educator, kbstout@illinois.edu. 618-658-5321
WRITER: Jody Johnson, County Extension Director, jjhnsn@illinois.edu. 618-658-5321
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.