KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI -- University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator, Myla Munro, was recognized recently for her outstanding work in the area of youth development by the Illinois Extension Professionals for Youth Education (IEPYE) and the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP). Munro received the Distinguished Service Award, honoring over seven years in Extension Youth Development Programs while providing innovative youth programming and leadership to Illinois 4-H.
A few highlights from Munro’s career include expanding the Illinois 4-H Food Challenge through a strategic partnership with Education for Employment #300, increasing program reach across multiple counties and integrating 4-H curriculum into high school classrooms. Responded to below-average science proficiency standards by implementing an innovative multi-dimensional STEM program which combined hands-on STEM learning with agricultural career exploration while addressing identified academic gaps. Munro has also provided statewide leadership in Illinois Animal Science programming by taking the lead in coordinating and delivering key statewide animal science events, ensuring continuity, quality, and integrity during a time of vacancy at the state level.
Munro is a 4-H educator for the University of Illinois Extension serving McLean County, recognized for innovative programming and statewide leadership in animal science and workforce readiness. She develops youth and volunteers through experiential learning, strengthens staff training systems, and builds strategic partnerships that expand access, enhance program quality, and prepare youth for future success.
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.