University of Illinois Extension has announced that TEConomy Partners, LLC, a firm specializing in impact assessments, values the annual economic and functional benefits of Illinois Extension at over $603 million. That is about ten times the $60.9 million annual budget of the University unit.
Extension operates in all 102 Illinois Counties. Its programs are developed and adapted to meet local community needs, says Shelly Nickols-Richardson, Associate Dean and Director of Illinois Extension.
“The report assesses and explains Extension’s programs in terms we hope will be informative and impactful to administrators, funders, Legislators, and the public,” she stated.