Heather Haines, 4-H Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County
We believe every young person in 4-H has the potential to achieve something incredible. With the right support, hands-on learning, and a little encouragement, kids can tackle big challenges and chase their dreams. But today’s youth are facing hurdles inside and outside of the classroom. Anxiety and depression are on the rise in young people, there are academic declines due to disruptions in what many Americans would refer to as a child’s normal education, and many employers report that new hires lack the soft skills needed to succeed in their jobs. That’s why 4-H is launching Beyond Ready—a nationwide effort to help 10 million young people build the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to succeed in life.
Kids today are dealing with a lot of stress. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 50% of Gen Z reports feeling lonely, and a 2021 study by the Pew Research Center found that 52% feel they are failing at reaching their goals. Chronic absenteeism in schools has doubled since the 2018-2019 school year (National Center for Education Statistics, 2023), and math and reading scores have declined to their lowest levels in 50 years (National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2022). Because of these struggles, many kids feel disconnected from school, friends, and their future.
These problems go beyond school. Many young people feel unsure about what’s next. Without key life skills, they face an uncertain path. A 2021 McKinsey report found that 40% of employers believe young people lack critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making workforce readiness a growing concern. This is a major issue in our communities, and we need to act now.
How can we help kids prepare for the future? Schools play an important role, but they can’t do it alone. Today’s jobs require more than just math and reading. Employers want workers who can think critically, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. That’s where 4-H comes in.
4-H is the largest youth development program in the U.S., reaching 6 million students each year (National 4-H Council, 2023). It is delivered through Cooperative Extension, a network of over 100 public universities. 4-H helps kids learn by doing, and our 35 million alumni work in all kinds of careers.
4-H’s success is backed by 20 years of research with Tufts University. Studies show that kids in 4-H are twice as likely to have leadership goals, three times more likely to participate in community service, and twice as likely to live life with intentionality and purpose (Tufts University Positive Youth Development Study, 2021). The 4-H Thriving Model helps kids develop at every stage, from teamwork in elementary school to career planning in high school. This model ensures that youth build strong character, responsibility, and resilience for lifelong success.
Locally, 4-H is making a big difference. Through hands-on projects in agriculture, science, healthy living, and leadership, youths gain real-world experience. In Forsyth County, 4-H members take part in numerous judging teams, consumer decision-making, and public speaking competitions. These activities build confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 4-H’ers also participate in community service projects, learning the importance of giving back, and visit the Capitol yearly to learn about the importance of civic engagement.
National 4-H Council is currently promoting a 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. By supporting Beyond Ready, you can help empower the next generation with the skills, resilience, and leadership they need to thrive in work, life, and beyond.