JJK FAN

09/03/2026

Creating opportunity starts with giving young people a place to explore!

The JJK FAN Innovation Center is opening doors for youth and families in East St. Louis to experience science, agriculture, nutrition and innovation in ways that can inspire new interests—and new futures.

Hear from the President of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center as he reflects on Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s vision and the impact of bringing meaningful opportunities directly to the community.

08/29/2026

🌱 Opening Doors to Plant Science

This summer, six JJK FAN interns had the opportunity to explore what careers in plant science, agriculture, food systems, technology, and research can look like firsthand.

Over nine weeks, students stepped into labs, visited organizations across the St. Louis region, connected with professionals, strengthened workplace skills, and discovered career possibilities that extend far beyond what they may have imagined.

We’re grateful to our partners at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center for helping create experiences that expose young people to new possibilities—and empower them to see themselves in these spaces.

Read more about the JJK FAN Summer Internship Program and the incredible experiences our students had this summer:

https://www.danforthcenter.org/news/opening-doors-plant-science-jjk-fan-interns/

This summer, six students from Cahokia Heights, East St. Louis, and St. Louis City explore how plant science, agriculture, food systems, technology, and other fields connect—and the many career paths within them.

08/28/2026

A vision this big takes partners who are willing to help build it—literally. 💚

This Thankful Thursday, we’re grateful for Plocher Construction Company and the craftsmanship, dedication, and partnership that helped bring the JJK FAN Innovation Center from a vision on paper to a place our community can experience, learn in, and grow from for years to come.

Thank you, Plocher Construction, for helping us build more than a facility—you helped us build a place for opportunity, innovation, and a brighter future in East St. Louis.

08/27/2026

08/20/2026

A new school year means new opportunities to learn, explore and grow! 🌱📚

We’re excited to kick off another year of 4-H programming with students at The JJK Foundation Academy. Through hands-on experiences, our young people have the opportunity to build new skills, spark their curiosity and discover just how much is possible when learning extends beyond the classroom.

Here’s to a great year of growing together! 💚

08/20/2026

Congratulations to Jackie Joyner-Kersee on her induction into the Illinois 4-H Hall of Fame at the Illinois State Fair!

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a world-renowned Olympic champion and one of the greatest track-and-field athletes in history, earning six Olympic medals and setting world records in the heptathlon and long jump. Equally inspiring is her lifelong commitment to youth. Through the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, she expands opportunities in education, health, leadership, and life-skills development. A passionate advocate for service—her favorite of her 14 Winning in Life principles—Jackie actively supports 4-H, serves on the 4-H Board, and has helped grow programs in East St. Louis. Her leadership, service, and community impact make her a truly deserving 4-H Volunteer Award honoree.

08/19/2026

08/15/2026

🏆 Exciting News! The City of Champions has a new state champion! Madison Phiffer, a proud St. Clair County native, took home first place today at the state fair with her delicious homemade banana nut bread. Despite challenges along the way, including remaking her recipe just before the county fair, Madison stayed determined and used the Winning in Life Principles she learns every day at JJK to succeed. On the day of the fair, she had incredible support from Jackie Joyner-Kersee, JJK Foundation staff, Grace Magherio, and her peers, who cheered her on throughout the event. We are so proud of Madison and her amazing achievement! 🎉🍌🥖 4-H🍀

08/15/2026

🛸 Is it a UFO?! Not quite!

It’s our passive solar greenhouse glowing on a beautiful clear evening in East St. Louis.

While most of us are sleeping, this beauty is still doing its job. It's growing fresh food while using innovative, energy-efficient technology. As the only greenhouse of its kind in the U.S., JJK FAN is piloting research right here in East St. Louis that helps us learn more about sustainable growing and new ways to combat food insecurity.

08/13/2026

Thankful Thursday | Where Possibility Takes Flight

Exposure can change the way a young person sees their future.

Through Boeing’s continued investment in Danforth Center programming at the JJK FAN Innovation Center, our high school summer interns are gaining opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and explore what’s possible.

This summer, students visited Boeing, connected with employees, and discovered the wide range of careers helping shape St. Louis’ growing technology sectors. Experiences like these open doors to new careers, new networks, and possibilities students may not have imagined for themselves.

Thank you, Boeing!