REVERSING THE EXODUS: Strategies for Attracting & Retaining Young Adults in Rural Communities

Description

Ever wondered what your community could do to reverse outmigration? 

Based on the new 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 outmigration of its youngest and brightest talent and unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing.

 Although the effects of the pandemic on outmigration have not had much research devoted to them yet, many experts are predicting that the pandemic may have changed migration patterns, especially in younger adults able to work remotely. 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 may provide more opportunities for people to migrate back to rural communities.

 “There are so many things that are impacted by the outmigration of young adults from rural communities, including school enrollment, availability of quality health care, future leadership, a skilled workforce and business development” according to the presenter Pam Schallhorn. “Developing a strategic plan to address outmigration and attract young adults back into rural communities could have a major impact on a community’s future.” 

Pam Schallhorn is a regional Extension Specialist in Community and Economic Development with University of Illinois Extension. Schallhorn has spent the last six years studying what prompts people, especially young adults between the ages of 20 and 40, to return or remain in rural communities. She has assisted communities in conducting their own research by developing survey instruments and holding focus groups. 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. 

Register here & then select your dinner options at the registration link or here.

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