The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign held a work session in 2019 with civic leaders from the two cities and heard the call for greater access to STEM skills and opportunities. Echoing its land-grant mission, the university is answering that call by establishing STEM Illinois with a coalition of local partners to engage with K-12 and college students in our surrounding communities. STEM Illinois will build upon the eco-system of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that inspires youth from diverse backgrounds and learning styles to explore STEM education and career opportunities.