Avon Township Partners with University of Illinois Extension to Expand Youth Programming
Avon Township, IL — The University of Illinois Extension and Avon Township have expanded their partnership to bring a broader range of youth programs and educational opportunities to local families. This strengthened collaboration is designed to address community needs, increase access to high‑quality youth development experiences, and build long‑term support systems for young people across the region.
Home to approximately 63,708 residents, Avon Township has identified a growing demand for accessible, engaging programs for children and teens. While several services are already available, community leaders have noted gaps in hands‑on learning, STEM education, nutritional education, and after‑school enrichment. The expanded partnership aims to fill these gaps with research and place-based, youth‑centered programming.
These FREE programs will serve youth ages 8-18 and include offerings such as Junior Master Naturalist Workshops, Little Roots Gardening, Lego and Cooking clubs, and holiday-specific activities.
Through this collaboration, 4‑H and Avon Township are launching interactive workshops and a Cooking SPIN (Special Interest) Club, giving youth meaningful, hands‑on learning experiences. Rooted in the 4‑H Positive Youth Development framework, these programs emphasize learning by doing. Participants build mastery through practical cooking and life‑skills instruction, strengthen independence through decision‑making and goal‑setting, and develop a sense of belonging by working alongside peers and caring adult mentors. Opportunities to share their learning with others further encourage generosity and community connection.
In addition, the Junior Master Naturalist program will help young people connect with the natural environment in Avon Township. The program’s goal is “to help people connect to Avon Township through environmental programming and to increase access to nature by using the natural space on site,” offering youth a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and the value of environmental stewardship.
The partnership aims to deliver both immediate and long‑term benefits, including increased youth engagement, stronger family connections, and more vibrant, resilient communities. By combining resources and expertise, the University of Illinois Extension and Avon Township are ensuring that enriching educational experiences are accessible to all local youth.
“Together, 4‑H and Avon Township are committed to empowering young people with the skills and experiences they need to thrive now and in the future,” the partners shared. “We are proud to expand high‑quality youth programming for families in our community.”
For more information about upcoming events, please visit our Events Page. If you would like information about our 4-H programs, you can click here.
For program specific questions, contact 4-H Extension staff:
Ofelia Delgado, 4-H Program Coordinator: odelgado@illinois.edu
Jessie Davis, 4-H Metro Educator: jessebd@illinois.edu
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.
About Avon Township: Avon Township supports residents through low-income assistance, fostering community engagement, maintaining infrastructure, and collaborating on resources, with a focus on safety and development.
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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.