BELVIDERE, Ill.—Not sure what to do after high school? Let Extension help you. The 4-H U: Dream. Plan. Do. in-person program series is designed for youth going into grades 9–12 as of August 2026 and is open to the public. Through four engaging sessions, participants will explore career pathways, connect with professionals, build essential life skills, and take actionable steps toward their future. At only $5 per session, youth will receive a plethora of resources to help guide them to a successful, confident future.
SESSION 1: Explore Your Options
High school youth will kick off the series by exploring the many pathways available after high school, including college, technical school, skilled trades, apprenticeships, military service, and entering the workforce. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and self-assessments, participants will compare options based on cost, time, lifestyle, and earning potential. Youth will also reflect on their personal values and interests to begin identifying pathways that best fit their goals. This session helps participants understand that there is no “one right path”—only the path that is right for them.
SESSION 2: Career Exploration & Real-World Connections
In this interactive session, youth will connect their interests to real-world careers. Participants will learn about career clusters, in-demand jobs, and the skills employers are looking for. The session features a mini career fair where youth will engage in a speed-networking experience with local professionals representing a variety of career pathways. This hands-on opportunity allows participants to ask questions, gain insight into different industries, and begin building valuable connections. Youth will also explore how their 4-H experiences are already helping them develop skills for future success.
SESSION 3: Life Skills for Independence
This session focuses on building the practical life skills youth need to succeed beyond high school. Participants will explore budgeting, financial decision-making, and everyday “adulting” skills through interactive activities and real-life simulations. Youth will gain a better understanding of managing expenses, making informed choices, and planning for independence. This session empowers participants with the confidence and knowledge needed to navigate real-world responsibilities.
SESSION 4: Application & FAFSA Help Lab
The final session provides hands-on support for taking the next steps toward future goals. Youth will receive guidance on college and job applications, scholarships, resumes, and the FAFSA process. Participants will have dedicated work time to complete applications and ask questions, with support available throughout the session. This workshop-style experience is designed to reduce stress, increase confidence, and ensure youth leave with clear next steps and progress toward their post-secondary plans.
Registration is required for any and all sessions at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/4-h-u-dream-plan-do. Sessions will take place from 9-11 a.m. on April 18, May 16, July 25, and September 19 at the Boone County Extension Office- Meeting Room, 205 Cadillac Court, Suite 5, Belvidere, IL 61008. If you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact the Program Coordinator Tally Lalor at 815-544-3710 or tlalor@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.