National 4-H Week Shows Utah Youth Are 'Beyond Ready'

From fairgrounds to classrooms, and community gardens to robotics labs, Utah 4-H youth are proving they’re not just ready for the future — they’re Beyond Ready. During National 4-H Week, Oct. 4-10, the Beyond Ready initiative will come to life as local clubs share how 4-H equips them with the skills, confidence, and resilience to lead in a world of opportunity and change. The initiative aims to help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030.

The goal builds on 4-H's long-standing role as America's largest youth development organization, which empowers 6 million young people nationwide through hands-on learning experiences in clubs, camps, school programs, and community events.

“The 4-H program helps young people turn their interests into experience, and that experience into a pathway for their future,” said Dave Francis, Utah State University Extension 4-H director. “Whether they’re raising an animal, building a robot, or leading a service project, youth learn to solve problems, work with others, and keep going when things get hard. That’s what Beyond Ready means: having the skills and confidence to take the next step in education, careers, and life.”

Throughout National 4-H Week, Utah youth and communities will celebrate those skills through activities and service projects across the state.

Kaitlyn Lunt, program coordinator for USU Extension 4-H, said each county in Utah will host its own 4-H Week events, and there will also be several statewide events.

“Monday is ‘Go Green Day,’ so we’re asking people to light their homes green with decorations or programmable lights,” she said. “UDAF will light their building green to show their support, and we’re hoping other organizations will do the same. We’re also encouraging everyone to wear green that day.”

Lunt said Thursday is “Thankful Thursday,” and each county will encourage its 4-H groups to find ways to thank and give back to those in their community who support them, whether it’s volunteers, teachers, government officials, or the local fire department. The activities planned across Utah reflect a larger national effort to highlight how 4-H prepares youth for success.

“National 4-H Week is a powerful reminder that young people are already leading in extraordinary ways,” said Jill Bramble, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “Through 4-H, youth discover their strengths, build lifelong career and life skills, and create opportunities for real change in their communities. They aren’t waiting for tomorrow — they are stepping up today and are Beyond Ready.”

Learn more about Utah 4-H at USU Extension 4-H.