Youth from across the state explored future careers, built independence, and developed leadership skills during Illinois 4-H’s Illini Summer Academies. Over 180 youth from 34 counties spent five days on campus in June exploring potential college and career fields through hands-on academies led by University of Illinois faculty and industry professionals.
“The goal of this event is to help youth decide what success looks like for them after high school,” says event organizer, Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist Mark Becker. “We enjoy showing the opportunities available at the U. of I., but the ultimate goal is to help them explore their interests and start seeing a path towards the futures they envision for themselves.”
Each academy is designed to reflect real coursework, research, and career pathways, giving students a meaningful preview of college-level learning. Academy topics for 2026 included applied health sciences, AI and machine learning, sustainability, media, engineering, plant sciences, game development, business, digital agriculture, health innovation, beekeeping, leadership, and veterinary medicine.
Students participated in labs, workshops, simulations, and field experiences while interacting with faculty, researchers, and current university students. Many academies also incorporated emerging technologies, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and real-world applications tied to today’s workforce needs.
Held on the U. of I. campus every June, ISA offers high school students an immersive, residential collegiate experience, combining hands-on activities, expert-led workshops, and engaging discussions to build confidence, curiosity, and practical skills. Information about next summer’s academies will be available in January at go.aces.illinois.edu/ISA.
The event is supported financially by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, which provided scholarships to delegates and covered the expenses related to chaperoning the conference.
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.
Source: Mark Becker, University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Specialist, mbbecker@illinois.edu
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.