From fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth in Nebraska are proving they’re not just ready for the future – they’re Beyond Ready.
During National 4-H Week, celebrated October 4-10, 2026, youth across Nebraska will share how 4-H equips young people with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events. In Nebraska, more than 1 in 3 age eligible youth participate in 4-H.
Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030. In Nebraska, 4-H provides opportunities for youth to:
- gain an understanding of where their food comes from.
- make informed decisions about their careers and college paths.
- make healthy and safe decisions in their daily lives.
- develop science, technology, engineering, and applied mathematics skills and abilities.
4-H programs are delivered by the Cooperative Extension System – a community of more than 100 public land-grant colleges and universities across the Nation, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln – that provides experiences for young people to learn by doing. Nebraska Extension and its team of statewide faculty and staff and trained volunteers deliver 4-H programs that help youth learn by doing. Whether it is showcasing projects at the county fair, organizing a food drive to support local families, or preparing for a public speaking contest, youth are learning skills such as teamwork, resilience, and communication -- skills that will serve them in their career and for life.
“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”
During National 4-H Week, Nebraska 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek. On Monday, October 5, the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between Omaha and Council Bluffs, as well as the Love Library cupola at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will be illuminated green in celebration of ‘Go GREEN’ Day. On Thursday, October 8, Thankful Thursday will be observed, and a light will be shined on all the mentors, educators, and volunteers who are making positive impact on young people’s lives in 4-H.
To learn more about local 4-H programs or get involved, contact Nebraska Extension in your local Nebraska county or visit 4h.unl.edu.
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ABOUT 4-H
4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs reach nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. Through the Beyond Ready national initiative, 4-H aims to increase that number to ten million youth annually by 2030. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation’s Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3,000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to have the goal of being a leader; two times for likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose; and three times more likely to participate in community service.
