ExtEnsion-Cook County A PlAn for thE 21st CEnturyExtEnsion-Cook County A PlAn for thE 21st CEntury
lEttEr from WillEnE BuffEtt, Cook County dirECtor
People can communicate instantly with each other all over the world today using myriad technologies. Global interconnectivity has grown exponentially over the past 10 years, and Cook County has remained ahead of the curve. In fact, Chicago is a leader in global connectivity and we remain a hub for transportation and higher education. More importantly we are part of one of the most segregated regions in the nation and forecasters indicate that unaddressed, this trend will worsen over time. There is also a growing mismatch between the location of jobs paying a living wage, and housing at affordable rates. And, the people of Cook County are struggling to keep up with the skills and training needed to maintain good health and employability. Extension is here to help Cook County maintain its competitiveness in the global economy. Our plan for the 21st Century builds upon a strong foundation of strategy and research. Our programs are innovative in content and approach, but the issues they address have long been identified as barriers to the county’s future success. The following pages offer a brief description of the areas we are addressing, including access to technology, college and career readiness, and urban health and nutrition. I encourage you to contact your local Cook County Extension office to learn more about how Extension can work with you and the people of your community, engage you in learning opportunities, and help you to improve life for you and your family.
introduction to extension
In 1862 the Morrill Act determined that states should have a place of higher learning. Land was granted to build these institutions. Illinois’ land-grant institution is the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In 1914, each institution was mandated to extend it’s research findings to the residents of their state. Extension was born. Today, Extension in Cook County serves more than 500,000 people each year. Extension is relevant in urban settings, and our Plan for the 21st Century sets high expectations for what we will offer county residents.
civicengagement & economic development
To remain active participants in our own lives, we have to understand and be adaptable to multiple cultures, age groups, and economies. Extension knows that this “Cultural Competency” is imperative to Cook County’s future. Extension starts this work in pre-kindergarten environments. By encouraging language study, community involvement, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Extension endorses proactive engagement in the changing world. Contact Extension for information on bringing neighborhood assessment, international trade partnership, non-profit assistance, and business development programs to you.
“Entrepreneurship moves the hope needle in tough communities. Teach people what it means to have a business and they will have more respect for it.”
urban environment & natural resources
Our region is expecting growth of an additional two million people over the next 20 years. With so many people, their cars and their pets descending upon the county, Extension has information to help lessen our personal impact on the environment. Rooftop gardens, rain catchers and waste composting are all topics covered by Extension programs in your communities. Become a Master Gardener, Master Composter, or Master Food Preserver and share choices that can positively impact the communities in which you live.
community
Though important in this new era, personal and career development and higher education often seem impossible to the poor and new immigrants. Again beginning during the pre-kindergarten years, Extension offers youth and adult workshops, online information, summer camps, and one-on-one support in the practical use of science and technology, access to career training programs, and updates on employment law.
education for adults & youth
Extension is working to fill the county’s technology and opportunity gap while generating excitement about the many careers available in math and science.
“Computers are our future, but so are plants—from the food we eat to the air we breathe.”
“We are either confronted with barriers or opportunities every day based on our ability to adapt to global society.”
education & delivery via mass media technology
Video conferencing, online communications, and broadcasting for MP3 players aren’t the future, they are the present. Extension knows that the people of Cook County need access to these tools, and the skills to improve upon them. Extension already reaches millions of people every year through newspaper columns, the website, cable television, and virtual meetings. In the future, Extension plans on bringing information even more directly to communities with programs delivered directly to your door.
urban community health
As advanced medicine promotes longer lives, and viruses become more severe we must become better stewards of our bodies and communities. Along with well-recognized programs on diabetes, heart disease and nutrition, Extension is now emphasizing on health management for older adults, proper animal care for pet owners, and helping non-English speakers navigate the many health systems. Through fairs, one-on-one screenings, and written materials, Extension brings the latest in health care tips to you.
“The lowering of expectations in our communities must stop. People need to know that the future in a global world is bright for them too.”
“At Extension we work to not only change peoples’ knowledge, but to change their practice.”
the global challenge
Chicago is one of the most diversified major economies in the U.S. and a leader in global connectivity. But over the next 25 years, Chicago and Cook County will face challenges to the region’s place in the global economy. We will be home to almost a third of the state’s population growth, much of it new immigrants and older adults. And, the largest job growth will be in industries for which our people often lack the needed skills. Who will provide the people of Cook County useful information and the necessary skills to remain competitive in this economy?
a local answer
From career development and new technology seminars to family safety and nutrition workshops, Extension in Cook County serves more than 500,000 people each year. We have expanded our outreach with new programs, designed to preserve Chicago’s place as a global city. Our highly specialized and educated staff has strong partnerships throughout Cook County. As Chicagoland strives to remain competitive in this challenging environment, Extension will help put knowledge to work for you.
COPyWRITER AMySUE MERTEnS
ExtEnsion-Cook County A PlAn for thE 21st CEntury
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DESIGnED By nAnCy ROCkWOOD
University of Illinois * U.S. Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in an Extension program, please contact your local Extension office. For more information on Extension in Cook County, visit www.extension.uiuc.edu/cook or phone 312-575-7844.