PEKIN, Ill. - For over 100 years, the 4-H Youth Development program has encouraged young people to make a difference in their communities while fostering leadership skills and providing hands-on learning. This legacy continues with the 4-H Teen Teacher program.

4-H Teen Teachers work with University of Illinois Extension staff to deliver nutrition and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) lessons to younger students. As volunteers, these teens truly make a difference in the lives of children by building bonds, imparting knowledge, and having fun with the next generation. After participating in extensive training on content, positive youth development, and teaching methods, 4-H Teen Teachers are ready to serve as positive role models for other kids in their communities.

4-H is currently recruiting high school-aged students in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties to join this adventure! As a 4-H Teen Teacher, youth have the opportunity to gain professional experience, meet new friends, build confidence, and make a difference in the world! Plus, it counts as community service hours and looks great on applications and resumés!

Any teens entering grades 9-12 are welcome to apply by emailing Emily Schoenfelder, 4-H youth development educator, at eschoe@illinois.edu. Various teaching dates are scheduled throughout the summer, and training dates are as follows:

• June 6-10; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4810 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria

Or

• June 8 and 13-15; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 15411 N IL 100 Highway, Lewistown

Learn more at extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/teens-teachers-program. For more information about 4-H, in addition to other youth and adult programs offered through University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit, visit our website at extension.illinois.edu/fmpt.

About University of Illinois Extension: University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties — and far beyond. Extension provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. U of I Extension offers educational programs in five broad areas: energy and environmental stewardship, food safety and security, economic development and workforce preparedness, family health, financial security, and wellness, and youth development.

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H strives to help youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H aims to impact the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.

Source: Emily Schoenfelder – 4-H Youth Development Educator, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit, eschoe@illinois.edu | 217.300.5557