America’s land‑grant universities play a critical role in preparing the nation’s future workforce—starting years before college. As employer demand for skilled talent in agriculture, food, natural resources, and related fields continues to outpace supply, early exposure to careers and foundational workforce skills is more important than ever.
Through Cooperative Extension, land‑grant institutions engage youth in hands‑on learning that helps them explore careers, develop essential skills, and prepare for future work and learning opportunities.
Featured photo courtesy of C. Nguessan/FAMU Cooperative Extension.
Career Edge: Teens Taking Charge of Their Future
University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Primary Funding Sources: 1890 Extension Capacity Funds.
The Career Edge Teens Taking Charge of Their Future Program equips Nevada’s youth with the essential soft skills demanded by employers, including critical thinking, decision-making and time management. The program engages youth in activities that help develop proficiency in leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making to help them thrive in the workplace.
Growing tomorrow’s workforce today: Central NY teens gain job skills and experience at the NY State Fair Milk Bar
Cornell Cooperative Extension
Primary Funding Source: Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds.
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Cayuga provided 40 Central New York teens with paid workforce training by staffing the Milk Bar at the Great New York State Fair. Over 13 days, youth served more than 285,000 cups of milk while gaining skills in customer service, food safety, and agriculture. The program helped teens build confidence, explore career opportunities, and understand the role of agriculture in New York’s economy.
Regional talent pipeline initiative connects students to local careers in northern Michigan
Michigan State University Extension
Primary Funding Sources: Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds and State Appropriations.
Michigan State University Extension, through support of Alliance for Economic Success, partnered with local schools and businesses to connect students with local employers through hands-on career exploration. By engaging 600 students and 50 businesses, the program increased awareness of regional career opportunities, strengthened school and business partnerships, and laid the groundwork for a more skilled and confident workforce in northern Michigan.
Maryland’s Career AGsperience program encourages youth to explore agricultural careers
University of Maryland Extension
Primary Funding Sources: USDA Competitive Funds and State Appropriations.
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) AGsperience team is encouraging teens’ pursuit of post-secondary training and degrees connected to agriculture as well as to enhance their interest in and success at pursuing careers within agriculture fields.
Share this Post