Op-ed: 4-H answers the call to building a ready generation

At 4-H, we’ve always believed in the boundless potential of young people. We know that when youth are given the tools, opportunities, and guidance they need, they are unstoppable. But today, as our nation’s youth face increasing challenges in mental health, education, and workforce readiness, it’s clear the stakes have never been higher.

This is why 4-H, led by the work and leadership of 4-H Extension programs, is launching Beyond Ready — a bold, nationwide initiative designed to empower 10 million young people with the skills, resilience, and confidence they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

A generation at a crossroads

Generation Z is grappling with unprecedented pressures. Over 53 percent of Gen Zs report feelings of loneliness, while 52 percent say they feel like they’re failing at life goals. Recent years have only intensified these challenges.

Chronic absenteeism has doubled since the 2018-2019 school year, and math and reading scores have plummeted, marking the largest declines in student performance in 50 years. As academic achievement continues to drop, youth feel disconnected, less confident, and unsure of how to navigate the future.

These challenges aren’t just academic; they’re personal. Many young people feel they are falling short, unable to envision a successful future where they feel connected to their friends, families, and communities. Without the essential skills they need to adapt and succeed, they face an uncertain path. The result is a growing crisis in our communities — a crisis that requires immediate action.

Why 4-H is uniquely positioned to help

So, how do we ensure today’s youth are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges? While schools play a critical role in education, they cannot do it alone. Employers are increasingly focusing on skills that extend beyond traditional subjects, with 77 percent stating the need for analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, and adaptability. That’s where 4-H comes in.

As the largest youth development organization in the country, reaching 6 million young people annually, 4-H is uniquely equipped to bridge the gap. 4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension — a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Additionally, our 4-H alumni network reaches every industry and is 35 million strong.

We are also the only organization with a scientifically proven approach to developing young people, backed by more than 20 years of longitudinal research in partnership with Tufts University. The data is clear: youth who participate in 4-H programs are more likely to succeed academically, engage civically, and contribute to their communities. They’re also more prepared to enter the workforce and navigate the complexities of life with confidence.

At the heart of our success is the 4-H Thriving Model, which outlines key milestones and capabilities that youth should develop at different stages of their lives. From middle childhood, where teamwork and belonging are emphasized, to middle adolescence, where independence and future planning take center stage, the Thriving Model ensures that youth not only develop academic skills but also gain character traits—such as responsibility, social competence, and resilience—needed for lifelong success.

Preparing 10 million ready youth

Through the Beyond Ready campaign, our goal is simple but ambitious: equip 10 million youth with the tools and mindset to thrive in a world where 85 percent of the jobs they will pursue in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. Preparing youth for this future requires a multi-faceted approach that fosters not only academic success but also resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose. To achieve this ambitious goal, we’ve outlined three critical initiatives that will drive the Beyond Ready campaign:

Expanding academic and career readiness by scaling our most impactful programs and national events — such as Ignite by 4-H, Citizenship Washington Focus, and the True Leaders in Equity Institute — and deepening partnerships with land-grant universities to provide more college credit, apprenticeships, and credentialing programs.

Investing in educators through expanding Positive Youth Development training opportunities and investing in resources like the CLOVER by 4-H digital platform to support educators and volunteers nationwide.

Mobilizing the 4-H network to accelerate impact by leveraging our partnerships with government agencies, land-grant universities, and local coalitions.

Each of these initiatives is critical to ensuring that young people across the country are not just ready but Beyond Ready for whatever the future holds.

Beyond Ready is more than a 4-H initiative — it’s a national movement to prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future. But we can’t do it alone. We need you — parents, educators, community leaders, business and philanthropic partners, and volunteers — to join us in this critical effort. 

This op-ed was written by Jill Bramble, president and CEO of National 4-H.