Turning Youth Optimism into Real-World Readiness

Optimism and opportunity. Those are two major themes that speak to me from the recent National 4-H Council youth voice survey. As I reflect on the findings, I’m reminded of the critical role 4-H plays in bridging the gap between young people's optimism and the reality of the challenges they face. Through 4-H’s newly launched Beyond Ready initiative, we are committed to transforming this optimism into readiness, helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life, work, and beyond.

The data is clear: young people need more support to fully prepare for an ever-changing world. Schools are doing incredible work, but they can’t do it all. Youth need support beyond the classroom—hands-on experiences and mentorship to turn their ambitions into actionable plans. That’s where 4-H comes in.  

A Path from Optimism to Reality 

One of the most encouraging findings is that 4 out of 5 teens believe they will achieve their career and life goals. That’s an incredibly hopeful message, but optimism alone isn’t enough. It’s imperative that we provide youth with opportunities to build and practice the foundational skills they’ll need to thrive. Take Emmy Beck-Aden as an example. As a 4-H member in Athens County, Ohio, Emmy was actively involved in everything from dog and rabbit competitions to nutrition and creative arts projects. Her leadership roles at the county, state, and national levels pushed her beyond her comfort zone as she gained confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and leadership. 

It was at FilmFest 4-H in Missouri, however, that she discovered her passion for media production. The event exposed her to new skills, connected her with like-minded peers, and gave her the confidence to pursue a career in media. Today, Emmy works as a production coordinator for CNBC’s Mad Money with Jim Cramer, turning her 4-H experiences into a career.

Emmy’s story demonstrates how pairing youthful optimism with opportunities to explore new skills in a supportive environment sets young people on a path to success. This is why the Beyond Ready initiative is so critical. By offering hands-on experiences, exposure to various career paths, and the support of mentors, 4-H helps bridge the gap between teens' aspirations and the realities of achieving their goals.

The Skills Gap

Our survey shows that 4-H teens are leading the way in feeling prepared for both life and career. About 70% of 4-H teens surveyed feel confident in applying technical and life skills in their careers, significantly outperforming their peers. However, teens overall are still feeling unprepared in critical technical skill areas that are essential for the future workforce:

• 57% feel unprepared to understand and use AI tools
• 51% don’t feel confident in their math skills
• 48% struggle with data and analytical skills
• 46% feel unprepared in computer and technology skills

In addition to these technical gaps, teens are also seeking more opportunities to develop practical life skills they’ll need as they enter adulthood:

• 41% want to learn more about money management
• 29% are seeking overall life skills for success beyond high school

Schools are doing their best to prepare young people, but they can’t address these emerging needs alone. Cooperative Extension’s 4-H programs offer hands-on, experiential learning to fill these gaps, helping young people gain the technical, leadership, and life skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Partnering for the Future

Through Beyond Ready, local educators and Extension leaders are committed to helping young people develop the skills they need to be successful in the workplace and in life. Whether through our national events, dual credit programs, military service, or apprenticeship opportunities, they’re leading the way, ensuring that every 4-H participant emerges ready for anything.

Through the Beyond Ready initiative, 4-H is focused on three critical areas:

1. Expanding Academic and Career Readiness
2. Investing in Educators
3. Mobilizing our Network to Accelerate Impact

Our bold goal is to reach 10 million youth by 2030, and it’s not just about numbers. It’s about ensuring that every young person has the skills and confidence to be beyond ready for whatever comes next.

Now is the moment to step up and help our young people prepare for the future. Our partnerships with organizations like Charles Schwab , which brings essential financial literacy programming, and Microsoft , which is helping educators build capacity in AI and youth development, are equipping young people and educators alike with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in an increasingly complex world. By investing in youth and educator training, we are ensuring that the next generation has access to resources that will prepare them for success in life, school, and work.

As we move forward, I invite all of you—parents, educators, community leaders, and business partners—to join us in this mission. We're not just preparing youth with the knowledge to get through life's obstacles; we're teaching them how to conquer them. Beyond their imagination. Beyond the expected. Beyond ready.

📄 Read The Full Survey

🍀 Learn More About Beyond Ready