4-H programs prepare youth for college and careers

Professional skills like leadership, communication, problem solving and responsibility are important in any job or career. Land-grant university Extension 4-H programs help youth cultivate these skills to better prepare them for higher education and eventual employment.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• After Missouri employers reported needs for workers skilled in communication, problem solving and collaboration, Extension specialists updated their college and career readiness program and expanded it into a holistic preparedness initiative for 4-H youths with evidence-based practices, mentorship and opportunities to explore careers.
  University of Missouri Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever 3d capacity funds. See full statement.

• 4-H leaders in Georgia launched an initiative to develop career skills in youths including resilience, self-awareness, effective communication and responsible decision-making. Participants explored entrepreneurship and employability topics through hands-on activities.
  Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Program. See full statement.

• Extension 4-H professionals in Oregon looked to prepare teens for future leadership roles by partnering with schools to offer an after-school leadership certification program to teach youths communication, teamwork, delegation, leadership skills and time and classroom management.
  Oregon State University Extension Service. Supported by state appropriations. See full statement.

• In South Dakota, Extension leaders are helping 4-H youths envision themselves in higher education by providing an immersive on-campus experience where they can network, attend workshops and presentations, and explore career options with professionals from different industries.
  SDSU Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement.

• North Dakota Extension professionals are helping 4-H youths be ready for work and life through experiential learning opportunities where they can develop curiosity, leadership, resilience and life skills.
  NDSU Extension Service. Supported by 1890 Extension capacity funds; private grants and contracts. See full statement.

• Indiana Extension staff led 4-H youths in activities to learn how to act professionally in their future careers, cultivate dependability and trustworthiness as an employee and maintain a professional image in digital spaces.
  Purdue Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement. 

Photo courtesy of Cornell Cooperative Extension.