URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is expanding its nationally recognized Teen Teachers program through a competitive grant opportunity from National 4-H Council and Lilly Endowment Inc., positioning young people across the state to be beyond ready for college, careers and community leadership.
The two-year initiative will strengthen and scale Illinois 4-H’s existing Teen Teachers model, which trains teens to deliver hands-on educational programming to younger youth while intentionally developing character traits such as integrity, empathy, humility and responsibility. The grant opportunity supports character-building experiences aligned with the 4-H Thriving Model and Beyond Ready framework.
Illinois 4-H was awarded $70,000 to train at least 100 additional Teen Teachers over two years, building on a current statewide network of more than 225 active teen educators
Currently, Teen Teachers receive a minimum of 10 hours of training in curriculum content, effective teaching strategies and intentional character development before leading programs in schools, after-school settings and community organizations.
“This investment allows Illinois 4-H to expand a proven model where teens don’t just participate, they lead,” said Katie Duitsman, University of Illinois Extension 4-H interim senior program lead for positive youth development and leadership specialist. “By teaching younger youth, they develop confidence, character, and a lasting sense of purpose while making a real difference in their communities.”
The program is grounded in research-based positive youth development. Recent Illinois 4-H evaluation data show 92% of Teen Teachers report increased responsibility and positive purpose after serving as teachers, and 85% report greater preparedness for future employment, citing gains in communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
Through the expanded program, teens will:
- Deliver at least 10 hours of instruction per youth audience in areas such as STEM, agriculture, healthy living and leadership.
- Engage in structured reflection activities that connect teaching experiences to personal growth in honesty, empathy, self-regulation and civic responsibility.
- Participate in service-learning projects designed to address real community needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“Through Teen Teachers, Illinois Extension is able to extend its reach into more communities while empowering young people to step up as leaders,” Duitsman said. “Teens help fill critical gaps in local programming, bringing valuable education and support to younger youth while serving as relatable role models who inspire confidence, curiosity, and a belief that they, too, can succeed.”
The initiative aligns with University of Illinois Extension’s strategic priorities in workforce excellence, community vitality and health and well-being. In addition to strengthening leadership and communication skills, the Teen Teachers program provides a tangible pathway within the Education and Training Career Pathway and reinforces Illinois 4-H’s commitment to preparing youth who are ethical, service-oriented and community-minded.
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
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.