Jerseyville, Ill. – Illinois Extension and 4-H recently welcomed Beth Steckel to its statewide network of youth development program coordinators who provide evidence-based, hands-on learning programs to youth to help them explore opportunities and acquire life skills. Beth will serve as the Jersey County 4-H youth development program coordinator.
"We are excited to welcome Beth to her new role and look forward to her service to Jersey County," says Sara Marten, Extension county director. "Both her previous work experiences and experiences as a 4-H member and parent will serve her well in this new position."
Beth will provide leadership to the youth and development program that supports 4-H clubs and special interest groups, as well as educational events in our local communities. "I am excited to join the University of Illinois Extension! Having cherished my own experiences in 4-H and now watching my children thrive in Jersey County's program, I look forward to empowering youth, sparking their curiosity, fostering their interests, and nurturing their leadership skills to positively impact our community's future," Beth says.
Beth is a longtime Jerseyville resident and previously worked as the marketing and communications coordinator at Jersey Community Hospital. She graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Beth enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading in her free time.
Beth is based in the Jersey County office in Jerseyville and can be reached at bsteckel@illinois.edu or (618) 498-2913.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.