The Education Division is committed to increasing access to humanities-based education and educational programming for K-12 students, teachers, and adults throughout Illinois.
Programs are provided for K-12 students and teachers through the Gwendolyn Brooks Youth Poetry Awards, Capitol Forum, and Sojourner Scholars, programs for adults who have historically had limited or no access to higher education through The Odyssey Project, and individual public educational programs for communities throughout the state who want to learn about and continue engaging with the wide-range of humanities topics offered through the Road Scholars Speaker's Bureau.
In the face of this national tragedy, in the midst of a pandemic that deeply exacerbates inequalities, words feel profoundly insufficient. They can’t seem to convey the sorrow, rage, strife, conflict, helplessness we feel. When we can’t find the words we need, we turn to humanists – poets, musicians, artists, photographers, filmmakers – to translate what is in our hearts... The humanities are being called upon with increasing urgency to help us find a way forward. Illinois Humanities stands in solidarity with our sister humanities councils from across all United States and Territories.
To read more, please click the button below for an important message from Gabrielle Lyon, our Executive Director.