URBANA, Ill. — What does it take to turn a teenager's interest in animals, agriculture or science into a future career? For Illinois youth, new opportunities to find out are on the horizon.
Illinois 4-H is one of six state 4-H programs selected to participate in a new national initiative supported by a $3 million investment from the Mars Impact Fund. The three-year partnership with National 4-H Council will expand opportunities for young people to explore careers in food science, agriculture and veterinary science, connecting classroom interests with real-world possibilities.
Through the University of Illinois Extension's statewide 4-H program, Illinois teens will have opportunities to explore these growing career fields through hands-on learning, workforce development experiences and connections with industry professionals.
For young people who have never considered a career in food science or veterinary medicine, these experiences can introduce new possibilities. For those already interested in agriculture or animal science, they can provide a clearer picture of the education, skills and experiences needed to pursue those interests.
“One of the most powerful things we can do for young people is help them see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves,” said Mark Becker. “When teens have the opportunity to explore careers firsthand, connect with professionals and discover how their interests translate into real-world opportunities, they begin to see a future they can picture themselves in. That's what being Beyond Ready is all about.”
The Illinois initiative is part of a larger national effort expected to reach up to 200,000 young people across the United States. Illinois joins 4-H programs in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Tennessee in developing career exploration opportunities that reflect the needs and interests of their communities.
Preparing Illinois youth for what's next
The investment also advances Beyond Ready, 4-H's national initiative to prepare 10 million young people with the skills, confidence and experiences they need to succeed in work and life by 2030.
In Illinois, that mission takes shape through experiences that help young people build skills, discover their strengths and explore their future possibilities.
Career exploration is about more than choosing a profession. Whether youth ultimately pursue careers in science, agriculture, veterinary medicine or another field, opportunities to work alongside professionals, solve problems and apply what they learn can help prepare them for whatever comes next.
The national partnership will also provide 20 teens each year with full scholarships to attend National 4-H Council's Ignite summit, where young people explore career interests, strengthen leadership skills and connect with peers from across the country.
By connecting youth with people and experiences beyond the classroom, Illinois 4-H aims to help more young people see not only what careers are possible, but how they can begin preparing for them today.
To learn more about Illinois 4-H and its youth development opportunities, visit 4h.extension.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.