Why This Matters Now
Positive youth development is increasingly important as rapid technological advancement reshapes the U.S. workforce and intensifies global competition. Employers need young people who are academically prepared and equipped with skills such as leadership, problem‑solving, creativity, and adaptability. Through research, education, and Cooperative Extension, land grant universities are uniquely positioned to advance positive youth development at scale in ways that helping youth and families thrive, strength communities, and support long-term U.S. competitiveness.
→ Key Takeaway
By advancing positive youth development, land‑grant universities equip young people with opportunities and leadership skills, prepare the future workforce, and support our nation’s long‑term economic vitality.
By the Numbers
- Land‑grant universities reach millions of young people each year through Cooperative Extension, 4‑H, and campus‑based programs.
- 4-H reaches nearly six million young people through Cooperative Extension – a community of more than 100 public universities and 3,000 local offices. Programs are delivered by over 3,000 4-H professionals and more than 500,000 volunteers.
- 4-H’ers are:
- 2x more like to have the goal of being a leader
- 3x more likely to participate in community service
- 2x more like to report living life with intentionality and purpose
Source: *Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development, 2021, Benefits of 4-H - National 4-H Council
A CEO’s Perspective
Advice for youth and college students: “Lean into every opportunity to learn about yourself and the world around you. Say yes to projects outside your comfort zone. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. Most importantly, know that your voice matters.”
In the Spotlight: Land-Grant Impacts
4-H programs prepare youth for college and careers
Professional skills like leadership, communication, problem solving and responsibility are important in any job or career. Land-grant university Extension 4-H programs help youth cultivate these skills to better prepare them for higher education and eventual employment.
- 4-H Youth Futures Inspires and Equips Youth to Reach for College and Careers
University of Missouri
Supported by Smith-Lever 3d capacity funds.
- Oregon State builds youth leadership and workforce readiness
Oregon State University
Supported by state appropriations.
- SkillsX by South Dakota 4-H: Developing Future Leaders and Workforce-Ready Youth
South Dakota State University
Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds.
- North Dakota 4-H Youth Development Program
North Dakota State University
Supported by 1890 Extension capacity funds; private grants and contracts.
- Indiana’s 4‑H college and career readiness programming
Purdue University
Supported by Smith‑Lever (3b & 3c) capacity funds.
- Preparing Georgia Youths for Success
Fort Valley State University
Supported by National 4-H Council.
Preparing youth for adulthood with financial literacy programs
Youths often enter adulthood unprepared to effectively manage finances. Studies reveal concerning trends, such as that only 24% of students and 20% of their parents believe they are adequately prepared for adult financial challenges and that 27% of Gen Z individuals have no savings. Without meaningful opportunities to learn budgeting concepts and gain practice with budgeting, managing income and avoiding pitfalls, American youths are unprepared for financial proficiency. Extension programs across the country are addressing this knowledge gap by providing financial literacy education to youths.
- Building Financial Confidence Through Summer of Savings
Michigan State University
Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds; state appropriations.
- Budget Bites: Building Confidence in Preparing Affordable Meals
Colorado State University
Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds.
- Real Money. Real World.
North Carolina State University
Supported by county funding; Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds.
- It's Your Money! Financial Education for Young Adults
Texas A&M AgriLife
Impacts by Region
Photo courtesy of FAMU Cooperative Extension.
Sample Social Media Posts
Through Cooperative Extension and 4-H, land-grant universities reach millions of youth each year with hands-on learning and leadership opportunities. Learn how @SCHOOL is helping prepare the next generation: [program link]
4-H youth are more likely to lead and serve in their communities. At @SCHOOL, programs like [program name] help young people build confidence, leadership, and a sense of purpose: [program link]
4-H programs help youth build confidence, leadership, and real-world skills. Through @SCHOOL/EXTENSION, young people are gaining experiences that prepare them for college, careers, and community impact: [program link]
Too many young adults enter adulthood without the financial skills they need to succeed. Through programs like [program name], @SCHOOL/EXTENSION is helping youth build confidence in budgeting, saving, and managing money for the future: [program link]
Learning goes beyond the classroom. @SCHOOL/EXTENSION connects youth and communities to real-world career pathways through programs like [program name], building skills for tomorrow’s workforce: [program link]
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