University of Illinois Extension invites you to participate in the upcoming Career Explorers: An Introduction to Career Paths and Life Skills at the Graves-Hume Public Library in Mendota. This program is for youth ages 8-12 who are interested in planning their futures. Career Explorers will meet on Monday evenings from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on March 4 and 18, April 8 and 22, and May 6 and 20. Each session will feature a guest speaker and an interactive life lesson.

A unique variety of guest speakers and career paths will be highlighted during the program. Youth will meet a crop duster and have a lesson on geography, following directions, and listening skills. A local police officer will visit the group to talk about their job after a lesson on first aid and the importance of judgment and decision-making. Youth will learn the importance of good communication skills and helping others when a Speech Language Pathologist presents to the group. Another evening, the group will meet a local entrepreneur and learn about what it takes to own a small business, and the importance of time management and customer service. Podcasting and radio are fun for everyone, so the group will meet a local podcaster and learn about public speaking. This is sure to be a fun, educational experience for youth (and parents)!

To register, visit https://4h.zsuite.org/external-event-registration/24368 or call the library, (815) 538-5142.

If you have questions or need more information, please call University of Illinois Extension- Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit Office at 815-224-0889. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please indicate when registering or contact the Extension office. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.