CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois youth will step into college life, cutting-edge research, and career exploration this summer through Illini Summer Academies (ISA), hosted June 21–25, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Led by Illinois 4-H, ISA offers high school students an immersive, residential experience on campus, combining academic exploration with hands-on learning led by university faculty, staff, and graduate students. Participants live and learn at campus’ Bousfield Hall while engaging directly with colleges and departments across the university.
“Illini Summer Academies are designed to help young people see themselves on a college campus, learning from experts, asking real questions, and exploring what’s possible,” said Mark Becker, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist and ISA event lead. “Our partnership with University of Illinois colleges allows students to experience authentic academic environments while building confidence, curiosity, and connection.”
ISA 2026 features a broad lineup of academies hosted by academic partners across the Urbana campus, including the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, the College of Applied Health Sciences, the College of Media, the College of Veterinary Medicine, Gies College of Business, the Illinois Leadership Center, the School of Information Sciences, and The Grainger College of Engineering, along with academic departments such as agricultural and biological engineering, animal sciences, entomology, game studies and design, natural resources and environmental sciences, and plant sciences. Each academy is designed to reflect real coursework, research, and career pathways, giving students a meaningful preview of college-level learning.
Students participate in labs, workshops, simulations, and field experiences while interacting with faculty, researchers, and current university students. Many academies also incorporate emerging technologies, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and real-world applications tied to today’s workforce needs.
Registration for ISA 2026 is now open. Early registration runs from Feb. 10 through March 1, with a base fee of $500 plus academy-specific fees. Late registration is available March 2 through April 17, with a base fee of $550 plus academy fees. Base fees cover housing, meals, an ISA T-shirt, and program supplies.
For registration details, academy descriptions, and event updates, visit the Illini Summer Academies website.
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.