Ever wondered what your community could do to reverse the out migration of young adults? 

When?  Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm

Where? Illinois Prairie District Public Library, Roanoke branch, 123 E Broad St, Roanoke, IL

Cost?  No cost to attend, a box dinner will be served beginning at 5:30pm

Who should attend?  Local government officials, community leaders, business owners and others interested in reversing the out migration of youth in their community.

Based on the 2024 census data (Hill, 2021), 87 of Illinois’ 102 counties experienced population decline between 2010 and 2020.  Almost every rural county in Illinois has experienced an out migration of its youngest and brightest talent and unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing.

University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Pam Schallhorn will discuss several research-based strategies that communities can implement now to help reverse the trend, including insights into how remote work is providing more opportunities for people to migrate back to rural communities. The presenter will also provide examples of rural communities that have successfully implemented the strategies discussed in the program.  The program will be followed by a young adult panel discussion.

According to Schallhorn, “there are so many things that are impacted by the out migration of young adults from rural communities, including school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, a skilled workforce and business development.  Developing a strategic plan or updating existing plans to address out migration and find ways to retain or attract young adults back into rural communities could have a major impact on a community’s future.”

The presenter, Pam Schallhorn is a regional Extension Specialist in Community and Economic Development with University of Illinois Extension. Schallhorn has spent the last nine years examining what prompts people, especially young adults between the ages of 20 and 39, to return or remain in rural communities.  She has presented on the topic at both state and national conferences.  Before coming to Extension, Pam was a commercial lender for over two decades as well as Director of the Small Business Development Center in Rockford, IL.  She has earned a master’s degree in Political Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Finance. 

For more information on the program or if you need special accommodations in order to participate, please contact Pam Schallhorn at pscha2@illinois.edu.