It's like suddenly seeing the world in a new way. That's how teens attending the Illinois 4-H Illini Summer Academies describe their time studying with University of Illinois instructors June 23-29.

Illinois 4-H provides the week-long college experience to help high school teens build relationships with U of I staff as the teens explore college majors and potential careers. This year, over a dozen campus departments collaborated with University of Illinois Extension 4-H to offer hands-on learning activities. In addition to coursework, the participants stay in dorms, explore campus, and experience many outside activities common to a college student's life. The instructors speak passionately about their teaching and research roles at U of I.

Two Fulton County 4-Hers, both members of the Busy Bees 4-H Club in Lewistown, attended this year. Max Johnson attended the Beekeeping academy. This year he also assisted the instructors. Jessalyn Kline attended the Molecular and Cellular Biology academy. 

The Academies' participants ranged from eighth to 12th grade. The Illinois 4-H Foundation provides financial support in the forms of scholarship and activity support.

4-H is the youth development program of University of Illinois Extension. 4-H empowers and prepares young people to be successful in life. There are numerous opportunities available to 4-H members, who can choose to participate in those that interest them.

For information on how to get involved in the Fulton County 4-H Program, call the University of Illinois Extension office in Lewistown at 547-3711.