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 Beyond Ready for the future for over a century.
“Behind every 4-H project, club meeting, and fair exhibit is a volunteer making it possible,” said Emilia Elabed, 4-H youth development educator serving Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties. “4-H volunteers are preparing youth for success, and we are grateful for the time, talent, and care they invest in helping young people succeed.”
That impact is reflected in the local program. In 2025, 82 adult volunteers supported 4-H programs across Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties, contributing 7,872 hours of service valued at $269,931. Their efforts helped deliver more than 13,303 4-H learning experiences and support 48 local clubs.
To volunteer for the 4-H program, prospective candidates must undergo a background screening, participate in interviews, and receive detailed training. According to Elabed, 4-H volunteers help youth discover their interests and build confidence in a supportive environment:
“At the heart of 4-H are youth-adult partnerships that empower young people to lead while being supported by caring adults. Our volunteers create safe spaces where youth feel valued and able to try new things and make mistakes.”
These relationships are the foundation of the 4-H experience. In Illinois, the program is delivered by Illinois Extension, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and its impact is supported by independent research.
“The work of our volunteers is the reason for the impact of 4-H,” said Brooke Katcher, 4-H recruitment and engagement coordinator. “Independent research has shown that 4-H participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and twice as likely to serve in the military.”
“Ensuring youth are Beyond Ready for life ahead starts with you, our volunteers, and we want to thank you for continuing to help us impact local youth.”
For more information on the 4-H program, visit go.illinois.edu/About4hGKW.
SOURCE: Emilia Elabed, 4-H Youth Development Educator, Illinois Extension; Brooke Katcher, 4-H Recruitment and Engagement Coordintor, Illinois Extension.
WRITER: Anthony Warmack, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Illinois Extension.
INTERVIEWS: Contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, to request specialist interviews on this topic
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.