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Professional Development
Discover Professional Development opportunities tailored to your role within Extension. This section features skill-building workshops, trainings, and other learning experiences drawn from across the University of Illinois System and trusted external partners. It’s your go-to place for discovering new ways to strengthen your expertise, expand your knowledge, and stay connected to emerging trends and tools in your field.
Explore, Learn, Grow with Extension Foundation Campus
Extension Foundation Campus offers a wide range of professional development opportunities designed specifically for Extension professionals. Employees can access free articles, webinars, and self-paced courses on topics like leadership, program development, evaluation, digital engagement, and more—all curated to support growth, collaboration, and innovation across the system. Whether you're new to Extension or a seasoned professional, Campus provides flexible, high-quality learning to help you thrive in your role.
Extension Foundation Opportunities
Fundraising, Grant & Partnership Development For Extension Professionals: An Interactive Workshop Series
- AI in 2026: The Fundraiser’s New Power Tool - January 15th • 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
- Research Power Moves with AI for Stronger Proposals - February 19th • 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
- Grant Writing & Fundraising with AI: From Prospecting to Reporting - March 19th • 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
- Smarter Fundraising Communications & Marketing with AI - April 16th • 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
- Organizational Efficiency: Freeing Up Time for Fundraising with AI - May 21st • 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
- Leading Fundraising Strategy & Creativity with AI - June 18th • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
- Future-Proofing Fundraising: Tracking AI Trends & Adoption Choices - July 16th • 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
Leadership & Team Development Series 2026
- Trust - January 20th or September 1st • 2-3 pm ET
- Teamwork - January 27th or September 8th • 2-3 pm ET
- Success Partner Mindset - February 10th or September 22nd • 2-3 pm ET
- Motivation or Inspiration - February 17th or September 29th • 2-3 pm ET
- Communication - March 10th or October 13th • 2-3 pm ET
- Diffuse the Drama - March 17th or October 20th • 2-3:30 pm ET
- Busy is a Choice - March 31st or November 3rd • 2-3 pm ET
- Work/Life Harmony - April 7th or November 10th • 2-3 pm ET
- Legends of Leadership - April 21st or November 17th • 2-3 pm ET
- Distributed Leadership - April 28th or December 1st • 2-3 pm ET
- Change - May 12th or December 8th • 2-3 pm ET
- Strategic Planning - May 19th or December 15th • 2-3 pm ET
- All Time Best Leadership Workshop - June 2nd • 2-4 pm ET
Program and Research Center Stage – 2026 Schedule
- Exploring Farm Stress and Resilience Through Documentary & Discussion Part 1 - January 28th • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
- Exploring Farm Stress and Resilience Through Documentary & Discussion Part 2 - February 25, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
- Tai Chi for Health - March 25th • 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Education Advancement Community
Would you like to be part of an online community of Extension staff who connect with colleagues, share experiences and advice, and access resources and support, while using the Employee Tuition Waiver or other educational advancement resources?
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Education and Career Advancement
Extension employees can access many education and career advancement benefits including tuition waivers, graduate certificates, non-credit courses, and more.