U of I Extension STEAM in the Classroom

10/05/2026

Happy 🌻 Grow learning beyond the classroom!

McLean County teachers can apply for the George E. Holder Agriculture Awareness Grant to create hands-on garden projects, from pollinator and sensory gardens to rain and food accessibility gardens. 🐝🥕

💰 Grant funding available
📋 Apply today: https://go.illinois.edu/HolderGrant2026

09/30/2026

🌱 Have a great idea for your classroom? Let’s make it happen!

The John Maitland Agriculture Awareness Grant offers McLean County K–12 teachers up to $1,000 for creative, hands-on learning projects connecting students with agriculture, science, technology, and sustainability.

📅 Deadline: October 30
🔗 https://go.illinois.edu/MaitlandGrant

09/16/2026

Resilience isn't about avoiding challenges. It's about learning how to adapt, grow, and move forward when life gets difficult. Resilience can be strengthened by helping youth develop positive thinking, self-awareness, healthy routines, supportive relationships, and a sense of purpose.

One simple practice? Encourage teens to reflect on"Three Good Things" each day by journaling positive experiences and how they made them feel. This can help build optimism and confidence over time.

Help youth: ✅ Focus on positive experiences
✅ Build healthy routines
✅ Set meaningful goals
✅ Accept change and overcome challenges
✅ Seek positive support systems

Learn more about helping teens build resilience and supporting positive mental well-being: go.illinois.edu/InTheMoment

Explore this resource for some hands-on learning:
https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/in_the_moment_resiliency_jan2021_v2.pdf

09/14/2026

McLean County teachers are invited to apply for the George E. Holder Agriculture Awareness Grant.

Funding is available for projects that help students learn through intentional gardening, including: 🐝 Pollinator gardens
👃 Sensory gardens
🌧️ Rain gardens
🥕 Food accessibility gardens

If you've been dreaming of creating an outdoor learning space that inspires curiosity, supports the environment, and engages students hands-on, this is your opportunity.

💰 Grant funding available
📋 Apply today: https://go.illinois.edu/HolderGrant2026

09/10/2026

🍎 Turn Your Classroom Ideas into Reality!

Are you a McLean County K–12 teacher with a creative idea that connects students to agriculture, science, technology, or sustainability?

The John Maitland Agriculture Awareness Grant awards up to $1,000 for hands-on learning projects exploring: 🌱 Soil & environmental science
🚜 Agriculture & food systems
🤖 Robotics & drones
🌎 Sustainability & global connections

Bring learning to life for your students.

📅 Apply by October 30
🔗 https://go.illinois.edu/MaitlandGrant

09/03/2026

Something good is brewing! ☕

Each week, University of Illinois Extension will be sharing fresh insights through our Healthy Minds, Strong Communities social media series. From practical mental wellness tips and stress management strategies to helpful tools, resources, and everyday inspiration, we’re serving up simple ways to support a healthier mind and stronger community.

Join us as we explore small steps that can make a big difference in overall well-being.

✨ Look for weekly tips, resources, activities, and encouragement designed to help you thrive.

Always tune in to our page at ➡️ U of I Extension-Livingston, McLean and Woodford Counties and our Instagram channel at ➡️ ilextension_LMW to follow along!

07/04/2026

Interested in coding? Come join us!

Youth ages 12–14 are invited to join our 4-H Coding Camp, July 13–16! Participants will learn HTML and CSS, build their own personal website, and explore the exciting world of technology through hands-on activities.

🖥️ Bring your own laptop if possible. Computers are available to borrow—contact the Extension Office for details.

Register today: https://go.illinois.edu/4-HCodingCamp

07/02/2026

Don't forget to fill out the Comprehensive Planning Survey!

We want to hear your thoughts about the future of McLean County.
The first public input survey for the Comprehensive Plan is now live. This survey is designed to gather input from community members about how they envision the future of McLean County.

Your feedback will help:
-Identify priorities for the Comprehensive Plan.
-Shape a vision statement to guide the planning process.
-Inform future community outreach efforts by showing where additional engagement is needed.
-Every response helps shape the future of our community.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/31f4574b1c2a4b4185b67225474f6e56

06/29/2026

Office closure update ⬇️

Our offices will be closed this Friday in observance of the 4th of July. Regular hours will resume on July 6, 2026.

06/25/2026

💻 Calling all future coders!

Youth ages 12–14 are invited to join our 4-H Coding Camp, July 13–16! Participants will learn HTML and CSS, build their own personal website, and explore the exciting world of technology through hands-on activities.

🖥️ Bring your own laptop if possible. Computers are available to borrow—contact the Extension Office for details.

Register today: https://go.illinois.edu/4-HCodingCamp