URBANA, Ill. – Illinois Extension and 4-H recently welcomed Jessica Jaffry to its statewide network of youth development educators who provide evidence-based hands-on learning programs to youth to help them explore opportunities and acquire life skills. Jessica will serve as 4-H youth development educator in Christian, Jersey, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties.

“We are excited for Jessica to step into this role and serve our unit in a new way,” says Sara Marten, Illinois Extension county director. “Her experiences with the 4-H program will serve her well in building partnerships, developing programs, and working with volunteers to help youth thrive.”

Jaffry will provide leadership to the youth and development program that supports 4-H clubs and special interest groups, as well as educational events in our local communities. “I’m excited to work within the local communities and school districts to provide opportunities for youth to develop healthy living skills, as well as leadership and career readiness skills through hands-on programs that will help them be successful,” Jessica says.

Jessica first worked with 4-H as a program coordinator in Jersey County. Her areas of expertise include livestock, leadership development, healthy living, and school-based programming.

Jessica graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. She completed her master’s degree in Kinesiology from SIUE.

Jaffry is based in the Macoupin County office in Carlinville and can be reached at jjaffry@illinois.edu or (217) 854-9604.

University of Illinois Extension educators and specialists connect every county in Illinois with university research through in-person and distance-learning programming and other educational outreach. They work to provide businesses, families, and agricultural producers with the practical tools and resources needed to solve problems.

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.