National 4-H Council

Our latest youth voice survey gives us invaluable insights into what today’s teens need to succeed—and the results are a call to action. While teens are optimistic about their futures, they’re also signaling gaps in both technical and life skills that must be addressed for them to thrive in an ever-changing world. At 4-H, we’re listening. By using these insights to guide our #4HBeyondReady initiative, we’re helping bridge the gap between aspirations and the skills required to succeed in life, school, and work. From AI literacy to financial management, 4-H programs are equipping young people with the tools they need to meet the challenges of tomorrow head-on. Discover what the youth voice survey tells us and how 4-H Extension leaders are turning data into action to ensure that the next generation is truly beyond ready. National 4-H Council

We’re thrilled to announce that Georgia 4-H’er Amiyah Elam has been selected to speak at #SXSWEDU 2025! 🎉 This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the impact of youth leadership and innovation on education. We couldn’t be more proud of Amiyah for representing 4-H on such a big stage! 🍀

The future is bright with these incredible 4-H'ers lighting the way! 🌟 Let's give a HUGE shoutout to our 2025 Youth in Action Winners, who are Beyond Ready to make a lasting impact as the leaders of tomorrow! 🏆👏 ✨ Katie Culbert ✨ Kingston Ryals ✨ Kaycie Hollrah ✨ Ronak Suchindra Their hard work, dedication, and 4-H spirit are truly inspiring.🍀💚 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4h4L8w6 #4HYouthinAction

Schools can’t do it alone. Out of school programs like 4-H are game-changers for our youth as they prepare for career and life! 🎉 Did you know that 77% of young people say out of school activities boost their confidence, and 62% feel they help them manage stress? 💪✨ Let’s empower our young people with the skills they need for career and life success! Join the movement and discover all the amazing opportunities that await with 4-H! https://bit.ly/3YnJ7DS #4HBeyondReady

🌟 Meet Dr. Alfred Mina: A Proud Hawai‘i 4-H Alum! 🌟 As a Hilo Paniolo Livestock 4-H Club member, Alfred Mina's journey through 4-H shaped his life in incredible ways. In his own words, Alfred shares how 4-H stood by him when others didn’t: "At a time when my high school counselors were suggesting I reconsider my dream of becoming a veterinarian, 4-H was my biggest supporter. They helped me stay focused, determined, and confident in pursuing my career goals. In the end, I chose to follow my heart—and I’m so glad I did," says Albert. Alfred's passion and perseverance led him to the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, where he earned degrees in Agriculture and Biology. He then went on to achieve his dream at Washington State University, graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Today, Dr. Mina owns a thriving veterinary practice in Hilo, offering expert care for small animals, birds, and exotic pets. But Alfred's story doesn’t end there. As a 4-H member, he didn’t just excel in livestock projects; he gained invaluable leadership experience, served his community, and became a role model for others; from public speaking to animal husbandry, he learned lifelong skills. One of his most memorable projects was the PALS (People, Animals, Loving, Sharing) initiative, where he brought his animals into elderly care homes and schools to spread joy and connection. Dr. Mina’s journey is a shining example of how 4-H empowers youth to chase their dreams and make a lasting impact on their communities. 💚 #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

Happy National 4-H Week! Join NIFA as we reflect on the incredible impact of this nationwide youth development program. See how 4-H is fostering leadership, civic engagement and academic achievement in young people across the nation. ➡ https://lnkd.in/eiqtkCDC National 4-H Council

The future of work is rapidly changing, and it’s crucial that we equip today’s young people to meet the challenge.
Our 4-H'ers deserve programs that help them find their passions, cultivate their interests, and build the skills needed to feel fulfilled and be beyond ready for anything in their paths. That’s why, during National 4-H Week, I’m excited to announce 4-H’s campaign designed to prepare the next generation for success: Beyond Ready.
🍀 Beyond Ready is a bold commitment to equipping 10 million youth with the skills needed to excel in life today and prepare for the millions of jobs that have yet to be created.
 The stakes couldn’t be higher. Extension leaders and 4-H programs are already helping young people navigate hurdles, from academic gaps to a lack of self-confidence, but we can do more. The campaign was created and will be led by our incredible 4-H network, with Extension leadership at the helm. National 4-H Council is thrilled to help mobilize the network to maximize impact. Year after year, we’ve seen what can happen when the talent and energy of young people are magnified and built upon. Youth hold the key to advancing communities and society; it’s our job to meet them where they are and support them in doing so. Learn more about Beyond Ready and join a movement dedicated to shaping the future of youth and their career success. Read my new blog below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/e98jCiQE

Happy National 4-H Week! 🍀 As we celebrate the path we’ve paved and look forward with excitement to the future, we’re proud to introduce our new initiative: Beyond Ready! 4-H’ers are growing into confident leaders, and together, we’re building a ready generation that’s prepared to take on whatever comes next. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4exVrXU #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

We're so excited about this partnership with Casey's! 🍀🍕 #4HCaseys

You never know where your 4-H experience can take you. The White House, perhaps? 
 University of Maryland Extension, City of Baltimore 4-H’er, and Nickelodeon Jefferson Award honoree Rashaad Coleman had the incredible opportunity to visit The White House for the first-ever Back-to-School event last week. Thanks to our partnership with Nickelodeon Our World, Rashaad represented 4-H on a national stage, showing the global reach and life-changing experiences 4-H offers. Rashaad, his grandmother, and his 4-H agent, Albert Lewis, had an unforgettable day exploring the White House and even commanding the Briefing Room from behind the lectern. But the biggest surprise was when FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden greeted Rashaad on the balcony in front of 1,500 guests. They spoke about school, sports, and the importance of support systems. Rashaad also had the chance to share his passion for STEM with Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Plus, Nickelodeon captured it all for a future election special! 4-H continues to open doors, showing young adults just how far their skills can take them. From local projects to the national stage—the possibilities are limitless. 📸: Jarred D. McGriff