Penn. goes green as 4-H launches ‘Beyond Ready,’ 4-H Week

National 4-H Week, celebrated October 5–11, 2025, will spotlight the impact of America’s largest youth development program, reaching nearly 6 million young people nationwide. This year’s theme, Beyond Ready, highlights how 4-H equips youth with skills, resilience, and leadership for a rapidly changing world.

“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,” Nebraska 4-H stated in its announcement of the week’s events.

Two major theme days will anchor the week’s activities.

On Monday, October 6, supporters are encouraged to take part in Go Green. 4-H supporters are encouraged to paint the nation GREEN by wearing green hats, clothing, face paint, etc. Participants may share their Go Green moment on social media and may tag National 4-H (@4H), and use #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.”

Later in the week, Thursday, October 9, is 4-H For Good Day, a chance to celebrate youth and volunteers making an impact.

“4-H’ers who are doing good and making positive impacts by helping their communities and beyond will be recognized. Youth, volunteers, or staff may share their own story or celebrate someone who is making a difference,” shared the Nebraska 4-H. 

Community service for this celebration does not need to be conducted that day; instead, participants are encouraged to highlight ongoing or past projects.

The Beyond Ready initiative aims to expand the reach of 4-H to 10 million youth annually by 2030.

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. Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030.

“At a time when young people are navigating more uncertainty than ever, 4-H offers them a place to grow, lead, and find their spark,” said Jill Bramble, President & CEO of the National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth gain real-world skills and experiences to help them become confident leaders who are resilient, confident, and Beyond Ready for the future.”

Pennsylvania goes green

Across the country, states are marking the week in unique ways. In Pennsylvania, the Capitol Building in Harrisburg will shine green on October 6.

Pennsylvania 4-H, administered by Penn State Extension, reaches over 202,000 youth in all 67 counties. Leaders are urging members, alumni, and volunteers to “wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek.” (Penn State Extension).

This year’s celebration also intersects with pop culture. National 4-H Week will spotlight youth empowerment through Universal Pictures’ film Wicked: For Good, premiering November 21.

“4-H members can celebrate their everyday acts of good alongside the ‘Wicked’ heroines Glinda and Elphaba. These acts can include writing a thank you note, donating to a food or clothing drive, assembling care packages, beautifying local parks or volunteering at animal shelters.” (Penn State Extension).

The #4HForGood Challenge invites participants to post their acts of kindness on social media with the heart-hands symbol, tag four others to spread kindness, and use #4HForGood. The challenge launches October 9 and runs until the film’s release.

How to get involved

National 4-H provides marketing toolkits, webinars, and social media assets for participants. Register and view the on-demand webinar recording. Find out all about this year’s National 4-H Week celebration and the 2025 National 4-H Week toolkit.