Jackie Joyner-Kersee announces grand opening of East St. Louis JJK FAN Innovation Center
The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation will host an official Grand Opening and Open House of the JJK FAN (Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition) Innovation Center on Wednesday, June 17.
The Grand Opening ceremony will take place from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by an Open House from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on site at its East St. Louis, Ill. location (109 Jackie Joyner Circle).
The JJK FAN Innovation Center is the result of a unique collaboration among the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, Lansdowne UP, the University of Illinois, and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Together, these organizations are creating pathways through food, agriculture, nutrition, education, and workforce development.
This event celebrates the opening of a transformative facility designed to educate, empower, and inspire youth and families through hands-on experiences in agriculture, nutrition, and STEM-based learning.
A center built for impact
Founded by Olympic gold medalist and humanitarian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the JJK FAN Innovation Center reflects her continued commitment to uplifting underserved communities and creating pathways for success.
The JJK FAN Innovation Center will provide youth with access to:
- Hands-on agricultural and STEM learning experiences
- Nutrition education and healthy lifestyle resources
- Career exploration in science, agriculture, and technology
- Skill-building opportunities that support long-term success
“This center is about access, opportunity, and belief,” an official statement from the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation noted. “We are creating a space where young people can see what’s possible and begin to build a future for themselves right here in their community.”
Investing in East St. Louis
The JJK FAN Innovation Center is more than a building—it is a long-term commitment to strengthening the East St. Louis community through education, innovation, and collaboration.
By combining agriculture, nutrition, and science, the center creates a unique environment where learning meets real-world application—preparing the next generation for both college and career pathways.
The Open House experience
The June 17 Open House will welcome community members, educators, partners, and media for an inside look at the new facility.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Tour the JJK FAN Innovation Center and growing facilities
- Experience interactive demonstrations
- Meet program leaders and community partners
- Learn more about upcoming programs and initiatives
Event details
- Event: JJK FAN Innovation Center Open House and Grand Opening
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Time: 9 to 10 a.m. Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting; 10 a.m. to 12 noon Open House
- Location: JJK FAN Innovation Center, 109 Jackie Joyner Circle, East St. Louis, IL 62204
For more information, visit www.jjkfan.org or follow @JJKFANcommunity on social media. Connect to JJK FAN by phone at (618) 274-5437, ext. 100.
