The Whiteside County Extension office gives residents a local link to the University of Illinois. Educators provide training and expertise in a variety or areas including agriculture, community and economic development, family life, nutrition, youth development and Master Gardeners. The 4-H program is reaching out to the youth of our community. University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and unbiased research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills, and solve problems by "helping you put knowledge to work."

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The U of I Extension has many different programs for everyone to benefit self, others, and the community. Programs involve enhancing life skills such as leadership, communication, and citizenship. The extension provides information on agriculture and natural resources, community and economic development, finances, gardening, children's education, nutrition and health. 4-H is another program offered through the extension. The various programs provide information and offer advice to create a better living, develop better leadership, and obtain resources. The programs provide information about problem-solving, preparing responsible youth, renewing volunteerism, family diets, lifestyles, health, food nutrition, food preservation, safety and quality, water quality, environmental issues, careers, parent education, community and special interest, 4-H clubs, 4-H camp, educational bulletins and publications. The U of I Extension also holds workshops and seminars regarding family communication, child care provider training, aging awareness, care giving education, managing work & life, grandparents raising grandchildren, Hispanic/Latino Programming, diversity training, culture kits, and the Real Issues of Sexual Kind (RISK) program.