Dean Robert Easter, Associate Chancellor James Oliver, Chancellor Richard Herman, and Dean Dennis Campion met with Cook County staff to discuss the Plan for the 21st Century

Cook County:

• approximately 5.4 million people - almost half of Illinois' population and equal to the population of either Missouri or Wisconsin
• more than 53 percent of the state's poverty
• 69 percent of the minority population

The county is one of the world's global communities for business and commerce and is the heart of the state in generating tax revenues and other fee streams to support the many different demands on state government.

As this metropolitan area continues to grow, diversify, and interact globally with nations and people around the world, the need for a University with a land grant heritage to meet the needs of businesses, families, education systems and individuals will be an important ingredient to the area's long-term growth and success.

Extension in Cook County has received additional state funding to help provide equal access to Extension's broad array of educational programs identified as relevant to the needs and interests of the people.

Goals of A Plan for the 21st Century:

• Increase public awareness about University of Illinois research, information, programs and opportunities
• Provide equal access to a large urban population, under-represented groups, and high-risk communities in educational outreach relevant to their needs and interests
• Foster local grassroots involvement in identifying needs and interests, and in helping communities and improving the quality of peoples' lives
• Develop and deliver a more comprehensive outreach program that addresses issues distinct tothis metropolitan area by establishing linkages with other colleges, departments and units of the University of Illinois
• Build partnerships and collaborate with local organizations and agencies to better serve this large urban population.

The Updated Structure

The reorganized system has one countywide Extension council, an Extension county director, an associate county director, and six district Extension advisory committees with district coordinators.

Programs are provided by professionals centered in one or more of the following key areas:

• Civic Engagement & Economic Development
• Urban Community Health
• Urban Environment & Natural Resources
• Community Education for Adults & Youth
• Science & Technology

The key to success in any community-based educational system is local involvement and commitment. Extension has an exemplary record in getting people involved in making a difference in their lives and community.

This system will evolve from local needs and interests. It will work with University of Illinois faculty and campus based experts as well as other experts from around the nation to provide local residents with current information and research to improve the quality of their lives.

This initiative continues to evolve through continuous planning as local assessments and professional judgments dictate.