JOLIET, Ill. — From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Will County are proving they’re not just ready for the future, they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5–11, local 4-H'ers will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
As America’s largest youth development organization, administered in the state by University of Illinois Extension, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. With a goal to prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030, 4-H ensures young people are Beyond Ready to meet the needs of a changing world.
In Will County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to develop public speaking skills, lead community service projects, raise livestock, compete in STEM challenges, and more.
“4-H gives youth a place to learn by doing, try new things, and build skills that stick with them for life. It’s amazing to watch young people grow more confident and realize they really can take the lead in their schools, communities, and future careers,” said Emilia Elabed, Illinois Extension youth development educator serving Grundy, Kankakee and Will counties.
University of Illinois Extension in Will County and its team of educators, volunteers and mentors deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. From showcasing their projects at the county fair or organizing community service events, youth are gaining teamwork, resilience, and communication skills that will serve them in their career and for life.
“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers them a place to grow, lead, and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, president & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain real-world skills and experiences to help them become confident leaders who are resilient, confident, and Beyond Ready for the future.”
During National 4-H Week, hundreds of 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.
To learn more about local 4-H programs or to get involved, contact Illinois Extension in Will County at 815-727-9296 or visit go.illinois.edu/About4hGKW. You can also stay up to date by following them on Facebook @UIEgkw.
Writer: Brooke Katcher, 4-H Engagement and Recruitment Coordinator
Editor: Anthony Warmack, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Sources: Emilia Elabed, 4-H Youth Development Educator; National 4-H Council.
Image Caption: "A Will County 4-H member participates in conference judging during the Will County 4-H General Projects Show in July. Credit: Anthony Warmack / University of Illinois Extension"
Media Access: The photo in this story can be downloaded for media use. For press inquiries, contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, 217-244-5813. Want to keep in touch with news from Illinois Extension? Sign up for press updates.
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.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.