URBANA, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension Illini Science Policy Program, ISPP, welcomed six graduates from University of Illinois System institutions for an immersive year of public service and policy leadership. Through placements with Illinois state agencies and legislative offices, members of the sixth cohort of ISPP scholars will apply their advanced training to address complex challenges in agriculture, digital equity, education, health equity, and environmental justice. Their work will help inform evidence-based policymaking while strengthening partnerships between Illinois Extension and public-sector leaders.
“The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Broadband is thrilled to host two Illini Science Policy Program scholars in fiscal year 2027,” Office of Broadband Director Devon Braunstein said. “Selected scholars will focus on projects which address key barriers to broadband deployment, supporting Illinois in its mission to reach universal broadband access statewide, while gaining exposure to essential state government initiatives.”
Through the partnerships that develop while engaging with policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders, ISPP scholars help transform the lives of people throughout Illinois, particularly in neighborhoods that are under-resourced or underserved.
“The Illini Science Policy Program continues to thrive because of the strong partnerships that make this work possible,” ISPP Director Evangeline Pianfetti said. “By bringing together host agencies, Extension professionals, community organizations, and public leaders, we create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaborative action. These partnerships strengthen our ability to address complex challenges, elevate community voices, and prepare the next generation of public service and policy leaders to make a lasting impact across Illinois and beyond.”
This year, scholars will work within five host agencies and Illinois Extension to explore, research, and engage Illinois communities on topics related to health equity, agriculture, digital equity, and educational advancement, all while helping to inform policy and practice. Most ISPP scholars are eligible for a one-year placement with the opportunity for a second year, based on funding and performance.
2027 ISPP scholars and their hosts are:
Jose Acosta-Cordova: Ph.D in Geography from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, working with the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus / Latino Caucus Foundation, ILLCF
Marisol Jimenez: Ph.D in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership from Urbana, working with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband
Zahrria Johnson: Master of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from Urbana, working with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus/ Black Caucus Foundation
Adrian Wong: Ph.D in Communications and Media from Urbana, working with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband
Sami Pierce: Master of Public Administration from University of Illinois at Springfield, working with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Urbana
Alex Sprinkle: Master of Health Administration from Urbana, working with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Julianna Stratton, until January 2027.
ISPP Alumna Elizabeth Gutierrez knows how much the program benefits participants and state agencies.
“We’re excited to continue expanding our public policy footprint in Illinois with another Illini Science Public Policy Scholar, Jose Acosta-Cordova,” said Gutierrez, ILLCF deputy director. “This program has been instrumental in the growth of the ILLCF, and we’re excited to see where our work goes with our newest addition to the team.”
ISPP scholars begin their program mid-July and quickly immerse themselves in their host agencies through orientations, events, and community engagement opportunities. In late August, the scholars will attend the 2026 Policy Summit hosted by Illinois Extension, where they will learn more about state and federal government, best practices in policy tracking and writing, the impact of a land-grant institution, and how to communicate with various audiences.
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.