FREEPORT, Ill. — The University of Illinois Extension, in collaboration with Northwest Illinois Economic Development, will present Five Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Youth in Rural Communities at two locations in May. The presenter will be Pam Schallhorn, Community & Economic Development Educator for Illinois Extension.
The program will be held in Galena on Tuesday, May 21 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at Galena City Hall, 101 Green Street. It will also be held on Thursday, May 23 at the Lena Community Center, 497 Lions Drive, also from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
After spending the last four years researching what makes young people, especially Millennials between the ages of 24 and 39, return to or stay in rural communities, Schallhorn has developed a program to provide communities with five strategies they can utilize to assist in their plans to reverse the trend. Almost every rural county in Illinois has seen an outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent. This outmigration is causing problems for companies that wish to expand, but cannot find the skilled employees to fill new jobs. Counties and municipalities are losing tax dollars and many smaller communities are struggling to survive.
“I believe that the outmigration of youth is one of the top issues needing to be addressed in Illinois. This has an impact on economic development, future leadership, social capital and entrepreneurship across the State, but most especially in rural communities.” Schallhorn commented. “We are fortunate to be able to offer this program locally, and I encourage community leaders, elected officials and business owners to join the conversation,” stated Margaret Larson, County Extension Director. She also stated that the partnership with Northwest Illinois Economic Development and others will enhance the program and discussion.
There is no cost to attend the workshop and registration can be completed online at go.illinois.edu/jsw or by calling the Extension offices – Stephenson County Extension office at 815-235-4125 or Jo Daviess County Extension office at 815-858-2273. If reasonable accommodations are needed, please indicate when registering. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting access needs.
— University of Illinois Extension
For more articles out of Illinois, click here.