University of Illinois Extension's Cook County Unit offers practical, research-based education to improve people's lives and communities through learning
University of Illinois Extension is the flagship outreach effort of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, offering educational programs to residents of all of Illinois' 102 counties – and far beyond.
05/13/2026
Are you looking for a meaningful way for your teen to grow as a leader, gain real-world experience, and make a positive impact in their community? The 4-H Teens as Teachers program offers a unique opportunity to do just that. Through this program, youth step into leadership roles as educators and role models while exploring topics such as Health & Wellness, Agriculture, and STEAM.
05/13/2026
Affordable 4-week summer day camp for youth entering into graded 5,6,7 or 8. Open to all Cook County residents.
04/24/2026
03/20/2026
Join the Mixed Feelings 4-H Summer Camp, a 4-week day camp for youth ages 10–14 focused on health, wellness, and fun!
🌟 Activities include: archery, kayaking, gardening, cooking, field trips, mindfulness, and more!
🗓️ July 6 – July 31, 2026 (Mon–Fri)
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Calumet City & South Holland
💲 $250 (includes lunch + t-shirt)
Give your child a summer to grow, connect, and thrive
Spots are limited—register today!
03/11/2026
El curso de certificación de Primeros Auxilios de Salud Mental de Jóvenes ayuda a los participantes a desarrollar habilidades para ayudar a jóvenes con un problema o crisis de salud mental o de consumo de sustancias. ¡Puedes ser la diferencia en su vida! Manda un email a [email protected] o [email protected] o llama al 217-300-9297 para inscribirte en la sesión en español del 24 de marzo. La clase empieza a las 9 AM.
The Youth Mental Health First Aid certification course helps participants develop skills to help youth with a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. You can be the difference in their life! Email [email protected] or [email protected] to register for the English blended session (in-person with online prework) on April 8. Class begins at 9 AM.
03/09/2026
Still time to register for our School and Community Garden Series starting tonight at 6 pm!
Monday, March 9, from 6 to 8 PM – Introduction to Extension, Getting Started, and Volunteer Engagement
Monday, March 16, from 6 to 8 PM - Vegetable Gardening
Monday, March 23, from 6 to 8 PM - Ornamental Gardens and Curriculum
Virtual School and Community Garden Training Series This free program is delivered via Zoom. All audiences are welcome and encouraged to attend, but on-site technical assistance is available only to garden sites
01/23/2026
Huge thank you to our incredible presenters at the Illinois STEM Symposium! 4-H Educators, Maria Gutierrez, Michael Neil, and Rebecca Griffith experienced Sphero’s full K–12 vertical alignment with Sphero's Indi, Bolt+, and RVA+ Blueprint robots.
Thank you for helping make Cook County, Illinois one of Sphero’s standout STEM Symposium locations this year!
Meet Dominique Cobbs, a dedicated health educator with the Community Health Team at the University of Illinois Extension in Cook County. Dominique focuses on maternal and child health, chronic disease prevention, and community wellness, empowering families to build healthier lives through education and support. Her work strengthens community well-being by promoting healthy habits and improving access to resources for all stages of life.
To learn more about programs offered by the Community Health Team, visit go.illinois.edu/cht
10/29/2025
¡Octubre es el mes de concientización sobre el cáncer de mama, sin embargo, recordamos, honramos y apoyamos a las personas afectadas por el cáncer de mama todos los días y reconocemos que la educación sobre el cáncer de mama es importante durante todo el año!
La autoexploración de senos le ayuda a familiarizarse con su propio tejido y puede ayudar a detectar cambios. ¡Para aprender más sobre las 5Ps de la autoexploración, programe un taller educativo sobre el cáncer de mama para su comunidad hoy!
Para más información o agendar un taller, comuníquese con Verónica al [email protected] o llamando al 773-233-2900.
10/29/2025
October is breast cancer awareness month, yet we remember, honor, and support those affected by breast cancer every day and recognize that breast cancer education is important year-round!
Breast self-exams help you become familiar with your own tissue and can aid in detecting changes. To learn more about the 5Ps of breast self-exam, schedule a Because YOU Matter: Breast Cancer Education workshop in your community!
Contact Veronica at [email protected] or call 773-233-2900 to learn more or to schedule a workshop at your organization.