URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H is equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed for success beyond high school, according to new data from the 2026 Illinois 4-H Senior Survey.
The survey of 334 graduating 4-H members found that youth who participated in the program for an average of nearly 12 years are leaving with strong workforce readiness, leadership experience, and clear postsecondary plans.
Nearly 9 in 10 respondents said their 4-H experience helped them feel ready for the workplace and adulthood, while 83% reported feeling prepared for college. In addition, 98% said they gained skills they can use in a future job.
“4-H provides young people with hands-on experiences that build confidence, leadership, and real-world skills,” said Kevin Carey, University of Illinois Extension 4-H assistant dean and program leader. “These findings reinforce that youth are not only prepared for what comes next, they are beyond ready.”
Participation in 4-H opportunities played a significant role in shaping future plans. Eighty-four percent of respondents plan to attend a two- or four-year college, while others plan to enter the workforce, start businesses, or pursue trade programs. Among those attending college, 85% have already selected a major, with top fields including agriculture, education, health sciences, engineering, and business.
Youth also reported that 4-H experiences helped influence their career decisions. Forty-two percent of participants in state-level events said those opportunities directly shaped their college and career plans by exposing them to new fields and helping them refine their goals.
Leadership development remains a cornerstone of the program. Seventy-three percent of respondents served as club officers, and many took on additional leadership roles at the county and state levels. Through these experiences, youth reported gaining communication skills, responsibility, and the ability to lead and collaborate effectively.
Beyond leadership, Illinois 4-H continues to support career exploration and workforce development through hands-on learning. Eighty percent of respondents held part-time jobs during high school, and 14% started their own businesses, often building on skills developed through 4-H projects and experiences.
Participants also earned valuable certifications, including food safety, CPR, and first aid, further strengthening their readiness for employment and community leadership.
Survey responses highlight that 4-H’s impact extends beyond academics and career preparation. Ninety-four percent of respondents said 4-H is an important part of who they are, and 93% reported feeling supported by their peers in the program.
Overall, youth credited 4-H with helping them explore career interests, develop leadership skills, and build confidence through hands-on learning and meaningful relationships.
Illinois 4-H is part of University of Illinois Extension and serves youth across the state through programs focused on leadership, STEM, agriculture, and healthy living.
For more information about Illinois 4-H programs, visit https://4h.extension.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.
Writer: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
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.