Summer 4-H Conference lets teens explore potential careers
Imagine digging at an archaeological site, exploring the origins of life, or learning what it takes to blast a rocket into space. For some Illinois teens, imagination will turn to reality during Illini Summer Academies, set to begin June 26 on the University of Illinois campus.
The event, sponsored by U of I Extension 4-H, brings more than 300 teens to campus to work in 15 different academy fields of study with elite university professors and graduate students. During the day, teens do what college students do, such as conduct experiments in one of the campus' hundreds of labs. Some academies will tour industry job sites to see research in action. During the evening, teens will explore campus, stay in college dorms, enjoy the campus recreation areas, and order late-night pizza.
"This conference shows youth what is possible through higher education in their field of interest," said Alvarez Dixon, U of I Extension 4-H youth development specialist for college and careers. "Illinois 4-H shares their passion to learn, explore, and dream without limits."
Lake County has 11 participants attending, two are current 4-Hers and nine are non- 4-Her's with this being their first 4-H experience. Participating campus departments include aerospace engineering, ag business, ag mechanization, animal science, anthropology, astrobiology, chemistry, computer science, creative writing, digital fabrication, electrical and computer engineering, entomology, human development and family studies, molecular and cellular biology, plant science, and veterinary medicine.
"Illini Summer Academies promotes career opportunities while showcasing U of I as the college of choice to teens in Illinois," Dixon said. In addition to academy studies for youth, several tours of campus are scheduled for families of the delegates, Dixon said.
Registrations for the event is at an all-time high. Illinois 4-H has offered a summer teen leadership program for more than 50 years. The conference runs through June 29.
The conference is financially supported by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, which provides scholarships to delegates and covers the expenses related to chaperoning the conference. Three Illinois 4-H Foundation donors also provide direct support to offset the cost of ag-related academies. Those organizations include Illinois Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Illinois, and DuPont/Pioneer.
About 4-H:
Illinois 4-H helps youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H impacts the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.