It would be easy to look at 2020 and only focus on all the challenges that arose this past year – many unexpected, and as we have all come to learn - unprecedented. But here at the Extension and Public Engagement Connection Center (EPECC), we are all about making connections for what lies ahead, for taking on the challenges and adapting what we do for who we serve, in order to have the best possible outcomes.

Above photo: ISP Fellow Allison Wheeler in a soil pit taking VR photos for a STEAM digital curriculum.

ISP Fellow Allison Wheeler is working with the Department of Innovation and Technology Education Group to provide accessible resources in STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) for students, educators, and their families to close the digital divide. Visit www.illinois.gov/doit-steam  to learn more.

Above Photo: Ana Paula with the Senator Omar Aquino, Ivan Gonzales, his staff and Dr. Layla Suleiman. Also, the founder of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Humboldt Park and his staff. 

As an ISP Program Fellow, Diamond Ruffin is working with 12 Illinois communities awarded funding through the Connect Illinois grant sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Broadband.