2025 Southern Illinois back to school expo canceled due to funding challenges

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) — The Franklin-Williamson Positive Youth Development Action Team has canceled the 2025 Southern Illinois Back to School Expo due to funding challenges.

The team apologized for the inconvenience and is working to find alternative funding and options to hold the event in 2026.

In the meantime, the team will post alternative back-to-school resources and opportunities on its Facebook page.

The team is seeking additional partners, stakeholders, volunteers and advocates to help with the 2026 event and is accepting donations.