URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is preparing teens to be beyond ready for careers through a new initiative that connects youth with industry-recognized foodservice credentials and hands-on workforce experience.
The Beyond Ready Foodservice Industry Credential Program will help high school youth gain certifications such as the Certified Food Protection Manager and Food Handler credentials while learning food safety, leadership and real-world job skills. The program is designed to expand access to career pathways for youth, particularly in rural and underserved communities across Illinois.
Through partnerships with school districts and Illinois Education for Employment systems, the program integrates career-connected learning into existing culinary and career and technical education pathways. Youth gain practical training and the opportunity to earn credentials valued by employers in the hospitality and food systems industry.
“This program creates real opportunities for young people to build skills that matter in the workforce,” said Mynda Tracy, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. “By helping teens earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, we’re giving them a strong start toward careers in hospitality, food systems and other growing industries.”
The initiative aligns with the Illinois 4-H Beyond Ready Action Plan, which focuses on preparing youth for career and life readiness through industry credentials, work-based learning and equitable access to high-demand career pathways.
Illinois 4-H will work with schools and community partners to expand credential opportunities to youth who may not otherwise have access to culinary career training programs. The effort will also help address workforce needs in the hospitality and foodservice sectors by preparing youth with the knowledge and certifications employers seek.
“Career-connected learning is one of the most powerful ways we can support young people as they plan their futures,” said Cindy Ogwal, 4-H college and career readiness specialist. “Programs like this allow teens to explore careers, gain recognized credentials and see themselves as capable contributors to their communities and the workforce.”
The program will support teacher training, credential exam opportunities for youth, and partnerships with employers and workforce development organizations. These efforts help ensure youth not only gain technical knowledge but also develop the confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills needed for long-term success.
By expanding access to credential programs and strengthening connections between education and industry, Illinois 4-H continues its commitment to preparing youth across the state to be ready for college, careers and community leadership.
Source: Mynda Tracy, 4-H Youth Development Educator; Cindy Ogwal, 4-H College & Career Readiness Specialst
Writer: Carissa Nelson, Illinois 4-H Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.