Illinois 4-H prepares teens for college, careers, and life, new survey shows
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase equine expertise in statewide contests
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H youth from across the state demonstrated their knowledge, communication skills, and passion for the equine industry during the 2026 State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Horse Speaking contests, held April 13 on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. These...
Illinois 4-H members bring youth voice to federal leaders in Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON D.C. — Illinois 4-H youth joined delegates from across the country for the 2026 National 4-H Conference, held April 10-15, where they engaged in roundtable discussions and presented directly to federal partner agencies. Bringing hundreds of 4-H’ers to the nation’...
4-H Foundation awards scholarships to prepare youth for college and careers
Urbana, Ill. – The career achievements of Illinois 4-H members are being celebrated with $67,500 in scholarships awarded by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.The scholarships are awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in nine focus categories and are based on merit and a demonstrated standard of...
4-H Green Communities Program marks fifth year with 1,150 new oak trees planted across Illinois
Urbana, Ill. -- Illinois 4‑H and the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) Forestry Committee celebrated a major milestone this spring as the 4‑H Green Communities Tree Program completed its fifth year of statewide oak savannah restoration efforts. In...
Illinois 4-H teens build career-ready skills at Ignite by 4-H Summit
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teen leaders from across Illinois recently joined hundreds of their peers from around the country March 25-29 for the 2026 Ignite by 4-H Summit, a national youth leadership experience focused on career exploration, skill-building and connection.Hosted by National 4-H...
Illinois 4-H expands workforce pathways with foodservice credential program for teens
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is preparing teens to be beyond ready for careers through a new initiative that connects youth with industry-recognized foodservice credentials and hands-on workforce experience.The Beyond Ready Foodservice Industry Credential Program will help...
Illinois 4-H youth showcase skill and precision at state meat judging contest
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H members demonstrated their knowledge of meat science and evaluation at the 2026 Illinois 4-H State Meat Judging Contest held March 6 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Meat Science Laboratory in Urbana. A total of 56 4-H members...
Illinois 4-H names new class of statewide youth leaders
Champaign, IL – Thirty-nine outstanding 4-H members from across Illinois have been selected to serve on Illinois 4-H's ambassador teams, recognizing their dedication, leadership, and excellence within the...
Illinois 4-H horse judging contest crowns top youth competitors
GALVA, Ill. — Youth from 29 counties across Illinois participated in the 2026 Illinois State 4-H Horse Judging Contest on Feb. 1, at Black Hawk College East Campus in Galva.Shelby Krutke of McLean County earned the Larry Carls Memorial Award as the contest’s overall high point individual...
Dig into spring gardening with confidence at local gardening programs
URBANA, Ill. — Gardening is an ever-evolving journey, and each growing season brings fresh experiences and strategies for both new and veteran gardeners. This spring, learn more gardening techniques and grow...
Illinois 4-H youth among nation’s top teen leaders at National 4-H Congress
ATLANTA, Ga. — Ten Illinois teens represented the state at National 4-H Congress, a five-day national conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event brought together outstanding 4-H members from across the country for leadership development, educational...
Illinois Extension Academy cohort poised to cultivate collaboration and impact
URBANA, Ill. — Collaboration and shared expertise strengthen any project, especially when they help deliver the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s latest research and best practices to communities across Illinois and beyond.With the start of the...
Illinois Extension’s strategic plan shows significant progress in year one
URBANA, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension is driving statewide impact through its comprehensive 10-year strategic plan, focused on the key priorities of environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery, partnerships, and workforce...
Families build winter wonderlands together in Illinois 4-H Building Bricks Challenge
URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H families came together over winter break to create imaginative, story-filled scenes for the Illinois 4-H Family Winter Break Building Bricks Challenge, the final event in this year’s Building Brick Challenge Series. The special challenge invited families to work...
Illinois 4-H team earns strong finish at national poultry and egg conference
URBANA, Ill. — An Illinois 4-H team earned top honors while competing in the Poultry Judging Contest at the 2025 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference, held Nov. 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. The four-member team placed 11th overall among 24 states competing in the contest....
