Chambana Sun

Over 120 young individuals from 32 counties in Illinois gathered at the University of Illinois campus from June 25-29 for the Illini Summer Academies, an initiative by Illinois 4-H. The event aimed to help youth explore potential paths to success after high school.

Mark Becker, a University of Illinois Extension 4-H specialist and event organizer, explained the objective: “The goal of this event is to help youth decide what success looks like for them after high school. We want to show attendees interesting things here on campus for sure, but the ultimate goal is helping them understand what success looks like for them and to help them start seeing a path forward to that.”

Participants engaged in various activities resembling college life, including conducting experiments in university labs and experiencing dormitory living. Lisa Diaz, 4-H assistant dean and director, emphasized community building: “We want to challenge youth while they’re here to build community and take advantage of being here with other youth across the state. We also want to encourage youth to focus on what is unique about them that they bring to the space as they network and build connections.”

The academies offered studies supported by several University of Illinois departments such as Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Applied Health Sciences, iSchool of Information Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Gies College of Business, School of Integrate Biology, and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

A highlight was the College and Career Night featuring professionals who shared insights with participants. Panelists included Kurly Taylor Jr., Cristina McNamara, Pam Leiter, Krish Nangia, Ricardo Diaz, Dr. Margarita Teran-Garcia, Representative Carol Ammons, and Dakarai Howard.

This year marked a return to in-person events following a virtual program in 2021. The conference has been part of Illinois 4-H's summer teen leadership program for over five decades. Financial support came from the Illinois 4-H Foundation through scholarships and conference expenses.

Illinois 4-H is known for empowering young people through its hands-on approach that encourages leadership skills development. Research indicates that those involved are more likely to contribute positively to their communities and engage in healthy choices.

For further information regarding this event or future programs:

Source: Mark Becker - mbbecker@illinois.edu

Writer: Carissa Nelson - carissa@illinois.edu