Murphysboro, Ill. – Illinois 4-H prepares youth to solve Illinois' problems by producing the leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, stewards, and builders we need. Our 4-H community is led by a dedicated group of educators, staff members, and volunteers that empower young people to set goals and achieve big dreams.
Carrie Eldridge is the newest member of the 4-H youth development team serving Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph, and Williamson Counties as the 4-H youth development educator.
Eldridge comes to Illinois 4-H with 19 years of education experience serving at Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health as a health educator and most recently as director of health education. Over the past five years, Eldridge has served as the co-chair of the positive youth development action team. In her role, she helped promote positive youth development through prevention programs and services, networking and collaboration, and raising public awareness of resources devoted to the well-being of young people.
"We're excited to welcome Carrie to the Illinois Extension and 4-H team. As a 4-H youth development educator, she will provide program leadership to the entire 4-H youth development program, focusing on 4-H clubs and groups and youth education initiatives," says Lynn Heins, county director. "She brings a wealth of knowledge, community connections, and experience to this position that will create a positive impact for our communities."
A native of West Frankfort, Illinois, Eldridge received a bachelor's degree in health education from Southern Illinois University and a master's degree in business administration from Southern Indiana University. She and her husband reside in West Frankfort with their two children. They enjoy walks and cooking.
Eldridge is excited to continue to provide opportunities to the youth of southern Illinois. She is based in the Jackson County office and can be reached at carriee@illinois.edu or (618) 687-1727.
WRITER: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126
SOURCE: Carrie Eldridge, 4-H youth development educator, carriee@illinois.edu, (618) 687-1727
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.
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.