Galesburg, IL — On March 27, 2026, nearly 350 eighth‑grade students from Knox and Warren counties participated in the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration event held at Carl Sandburg College’s Galesburg campus. University of Illinois Extension was pleased to partner on this biannual program, which helps young people build practical life skills and explore future career pathways.
The event offered students a hands-on introduction to real-life financial decision-making while exposing them to a wide range of career options. Through interactive stations and guided activities, students practiced budgeting, learned about essential expenses, and engaged with professionals representing diverse fields.
“This event gives students a meaningful look at the choices and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Shelby Carlson, Illinois Extension Youth Development Educator. “Helping youth connect their interests to real‑world possibilities is an important part of supporting strong, thriving communities.”
The program is made possible through strong partnership and support from:
- Delabar CTE at Regional Office of Education #33
- University of Illinois Extension serving Henderson, Knox, McDonough & Warren Counties
- Carl Sandburg College
- Numerous community volunteers
Together, these organizations and volunteers work to provide youth with early exposure to career exploration, financial literacy, and the confidence to envision their futures.
For more information about youth development and career readiness programs offered through Illinois Extension, please contact the Henderson, Knox, McDonough & Warren County offices.
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.