Career & College Success Programs

Nebraska 4-H Youth Development Program Priority

College & Career Success

In a world of rapid change, young people need the right mix of knowledge, skills, and experiences to effectively transition from education into the workforce. Youth need to be aware, explore, and intentionally prepare for their next steps in life. Today’s careers have multiple entry and exit points, and it is important for young people to recognize how to navigate effectively to reach their fullest potential. Through College and Career Readiness programs, youth will develop the knowledge, skills, and mindsets through experiential learning opportunities to explore potential postsecondary education and career options.

Nebraska 4-H prepares youth to make informed decisions about their careers and college paths. Programs assist young people with developing skills that will lead to greater persistence in college and employability. By participating in a college or career readiness program, youth gain awareness of higher education options, identify relationships between careers and 4-H projects, develop college and career readiness skills, aspire to and enroll in higher education, be engaged in on-campus events, and actively explore careers. 

Participation in 4-H can help youth connect the dots between their current educational experience through postsecondary education and training in the workforce. Preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s world includes connecting youth with caring adult mentors and business and industry professionals who help them gain confidence, take ownership of their learning and make informed decisions regarding their personal career path. College and Career Readiness programs can help lead young people to gainful employment, providing sustainable wages and opportunities for advancement to meet the demands of our ever-changing global workforce.