Indiana 4-H includes opportunities to explore future endeavors. During school and after graduation, youth successes in college and career opportunities are greatly impacted by knowledge and skills in professionalism and decision-making. Indiana 4-H provided 10 college and career readiness programs at eight counties, one region, and Purdue University; 447 youth completed college and career readiness surveys about professionalism and college and career decision-making.
Youth (99%) reported it is important to: arrive to work on time, do their job well, and be trusted by an employer. A third reported they have applied for a job (32%), or have a job (34%), and three[1]quarters (72%) do not have a résumé. When choosing a career, youth indicated it is important to: be passionate about the work they do, go to college to have the type of career they want, have a career where they can make a difference in the lives of others, and live where they want when choosing a career. For identifying strengths, exploring careers, and thinking about future education needs, youth indicated that 4-H helped them to: think about the amount of education they might need in the future (96%), identify things they are good at (95%), and explore future career options (93%).
Youth identified careers after high school that might be a good fit for them (89%) and have a better idea of what they might do (88%). In the year after high school, youth are thinking about getting a job (91), attending a four[1]year college (89%), attending community college (60%) or vocational/technical college (57%), or joining the military (39%). For decision-making, youth had an idea of what they would like to major in (53%). At 4-H, they learned about scholarships (96%), college applications (78%), and how to pay for college (93%).
As a result of Indiana 4-H programs, more than 450 youth have identified careers after high school that might be a good fit for them. This gives Indiana a bright future with youth who have skills and vision for their lives, jobs, and careers.