See it. Learn it. Love it.
Jackie Joyner Kersee and the JJK FAN team expose kids and teens to new things through enrichment programs that typically only exist outside East St. Louis.
JJK FAN partner organizations turn curiosity into the desire to learn the science behind growing and eating food that fuels healthy bodies and minds.
Showing young people opportunities within their reach helps them envision themselves in rewarding careers that pay well and promote growth.
Robust and culturally informed summer and after-school JJK FAN programming creates:
- A love of science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on experiences that boost critical thinking.
- An introduction to plant science and producing the food we need with the environment top of mind.
- A real understanding of the well-being we all can enjoy through improved nutrition and physical fitness.
- A passion for exploring technology and a drive for innovation the careers of the future will require.
But how?
- Ensuring children learn in safe recreational places from caring and engaged role models.
- Collaborating with industry, schools and other non-profit organizations.
- Connecting youth to education, mentorship, internships, and career and college readiness opportunities while also addressing barriers to entry.
- Combining practical skills with theory to prepare students for academic success and an entrepreneurial spirit that leads to lucrative careers.
Why?
Each JJK FAN partner brings expertise and a passion for youth development, community and economic growth, and individual and family health and wellness. They work together to create pathways for students to obtain career-expanding opportunities, fueling vibrancy in the communities they call home.
JJK Foundation
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation empowers youth in East St. Louis to achieve greatness by providing access to high quality after-school programs, safe recreational places, and caring, engaged role models. Through the JJK FAN Collaboration, each organization provides assets that together amplify our ability to provide educational and professional development programming in STEAM, agriculture, food, nutrition, physical activity, and entrepreneurialism to youth and community members at the Foundation’s site in East St. Louis. JJK Foundation has a full time STEAM Educator that is committed to helping youth win in life by fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, art, and math through interactive learning experiences!
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the state’s flagship, land-grant university that conducts innovative research, delivers transformational academic programs, and translates discoveries and programing to people in communities through Illinois Extension. Campus efforts focus on college preparedness and expanding access, whereas Extension, including 4-H, play key roles in program development and delivery.
Extension provides programming and curriculums to East St. Louis, including 4-H clubs, Embryology, Youth Farmers Market, Seed to Table, Jr. Master Gardeners, Teen Cuisine, Eat Smart Be Active, and Organwise Guys. These programs aim to promote education an empowerment in the community in areas such as agriculture, nutrition,,and healthy living.
Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center’s STEAM+Ag™ initiatives aim to boost students’ understanding of scientific research through hands-on, diverse experiences. Our programs develop critical thinking and analytical skills, offering activities from geospatial technology and drone operation to plant science exploration. Participants undertake real-world science projects, including data collection and collaboration with experienced scientists, fostering a rich and culturally informed educational experience. Additionally, our workforce development efforts, including the UPLIFT program, provide JJK FAN staff professional growth opportunities through workshops and mentoring, while students can become paid interns at both the JJK FAN and the Danforth Center.
CoLLAGE readiness AND career pATHWAYs
Collectively all organizations work together to create pathways for students and community to fund and persist in post-high school training that allow them to obtain career expanding opportunities in the Metro area fueling vibrancy in the communities they call home.
The JJK FAN is building a collaborative of industry, nonprofit, and collegiate partners to develop opportunities for K-12 youth and beyond around STEAM, Urban Agriculture, Food Production, Nutrition and Wellness. These career and industry immersion-based experiences include:
- Life Skills
- Exposure (field trips, workplace tours and career days)
- Mentorship
- Internships
- Workforce credentialing programs and certificate programs
- Scholarships
