Planning

Extension Program Planning Process

Program planning is a continuous process that is anchored in the needs and interest of target audiences and results in a response to help meet those needs.  In the world of Extension, a program can encompass a variety of activities that collectively aim to reach one or more common goals.  Program development is an important step of the program planning process paired with strategic collection of data to serve multiple purposes including program improvement and impact reporting.   

During the spring and summer of 2025, units conducted an assessment process to align their plans of work with Extension's Strategic Plan.  

Plans of Work

Illinois Extension uses State, Unit, and Educator Plans of Work as road maps showing how Extension engages to address the grand challenges and state priorities both statewide and in local communities. Together, they represent an integrated and comprehensive approach to address locally relevant issues in an impactful way.

State Plans of Work are updated annually to outline the outcomes and deliverables associated with each state plan; one plan for each priority issue.  State plans are posted in PEARS at the beginning of each reporting year and are used to assign each PEARS entry with a state plan (state priority issue) to enable Extension to demonstrate collective effort.

Unit Plans of Work are compiled to provide an overview of the state priority issues that the unit plans to target locally.  In addition, unit plans include goals and progress toward reaching underrepresented audiences in order to continually enhance diversity and equitable access to Extension resources.

Educator Plans of Work provide a detailed description of the outreach activities and outcomes targeted locally either individually or within a team.