We will focus our resources and efforts on areas of strategic importance to help us achieve our vision.
Community
Support strong and resilient youth, families, and communities.
Economy
Grow a prosperous economy through lifelong learning and development.
Environment
Sustain and restore natural resources in home and public spaces.
Food and Agriculture
Maintain a safe and accessible food, fibers, and biofuel supply.
Health
Maximize health equity and access and support health promotion.
Partnerships
Create and nurture strategic partnerships and share statewide resources to advance our mission and vision.
Technology and Discovery
Integrate research, technology, and engagement to close opportunity gaps and build capacity.
Workforce Excellence
Develop Illinois Extension staff and teams to advance collaborative impact and strengthen a culture of inclusiveness and belonging.
Eight signature initiatives correspond to our eight strategic priorities and mark a transformative step forward for Illinois Extension, igniting the flames of change across our organization. These initiatives, crafted with precision and foresight, promise to revolutionize our approach, empower our communities, and shape the future of Extension services in Illinois.
While these initiatives are groundbreaking, they are just the beginning — a testament to our commitment to innovation and progress.
| Strategic Priority | Signature Initiative |
|---|---|
| Community | Enrich civic engagement, volunteerism, and leadership training to support strong and resilient youth, families, and communities. |
| Economy | Foster a resilient and future-ready workforce through delivering educational programs and promoting lifelong learning. |
| Environment | Bolster climate-smart programming through education and outreach for a resilient future. |
| Food and Agriculture | Catalyze decision-making associated with a safe, culturally responsive, and sustainable food, fibers, and biofuels system. |
| Health | Advance health equity and promotion and healthcare access through education, partnerships, and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change. |
| Partnerships | Enhance our connections and impact through stewardship of existing relationships and cultivation of new collaborations. |
| Technology and Discovery | Advance digital accessibility, equity, and literacy through education and training among Illinois audiences. |
| Workforce Excellence | Equip and empower Illinois Extension’s workforce with skills and resources to achieve Extension’s mission. |