Overview: Carbondale is a community closely tied to Southern Illinois University. Many of the residents either work for Southern Illinois University or attend as students. Many of the services and activities are planned in conjuction with the university calendar. SIU is also home of the Lesar Saw School, with 384 students.

Population: 26,000 (40,000 with University students)

District type: Suburban/Rural

Geographical location/Climate: Southern Illinois. Hot, dry summers and cloudy, cold winters. Pleasant fall and spring weather.

Closest major city: St. Louis, Missouri (100 miles), Springfield, Illinois (150 miles)

Political structure: Elected mayor and city council; fulltime city manager.

History: Carbondale was founded in 1856 as a part of the expansion of the country brought about by the railroad. Southern Illinois had a large mining industry until the mid-1980s when coal mines were shut down as a result of the Clean Air Act. Southern Illinois Normal University was chartered in 1869 as a two-year teacher's college. It was granted University status in 1947 and renamed Southern Illinois University.

Cultural institutions/events: The university offers a wide range of events for the region throughout the school year. These include theater, music and cultural events such as the Irish Music Festival in the spring. Carbondale has a community theater, weekly concerts in the summer and the Lights Fantastic Parade in the winter.

Distinguishing features: Crab Orchard National Refuge covers most of the southern part of Illinois, providing a large protected area for wildlife and recreation.

Existing ties with Russia: Existing ties with Russia: The SIU School of Social Work and the Department of Health Education have a linkage with the Regional Office of Education in Samara Oblast. They also have a connection with the Tagliati Social and Economic College in Tagliati.