Illinois 4-H announced on Mar. 12 a new initiative aimed at preparing teens for careers by connecting them with industry-recognized foodservice credentials and hands-on workforce experience.
The Beyond Ready Foodservice Industry Credential Program is designed to help high school youth earn certifications such as the Certified Food Protection Manager and Food Handler credentials, while also learning about food safety, leadership, and job skills. The program focuses on expanding access to career pathways for youth in rural and underserved communities across Illinois.
Through partnerships with school districts and Illinois Education for Employment systems, the initiative integrates career-connected learning into existing culinary and technical education programs. Youth will receive practical training and have opportunities to earn credentials valued by employers in hospitality and food systems industries. “This program creates real opportunities for young people to build skills that matter in the workforce,” said Mynda Tracy, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. “By helping teens earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, we’re giving them a strong start toward careers in hospitality, food systems and other growing industries.”
The effort aligns with the Illinois 4-H Beyond Ready Action Plan, which emphasizes preparing youth for career readiness through industry credentials, work-based learning, and equitable access to high-demand fields. Cindy Ogwal, 4-H college and career readiness specialist, said: “Career-connected learning is one of the most powerful ways we can support young people as they plan their futures. Programs like this allow teens to explore careers, gain recognized credentials and see themselves as capable contributors to their communities and the workforce.”
The program will also support teacher training, credential exam opportunities for youth, and partnerships with employers and workforce development organizations. These efforts aim to ensure that participants not only gain technical knowledge but also develop confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills needed for long-term success.
Illinois 4-H operates under University of Illinois Extension within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The University of Illinois contributes to economic and societal progress through its educational and research efforts according to the official website. It serves as the flagship campus of the University of Illinois System according to the official website, enrolling students from all 50 states and over 100 countries while offering more than 150 undergraduate programs according to the official website. The university aims to advance discovery, innovation, public engagement according to the official website, functions as a public research institution according to the official website, and is located in Urbana-Champaign according to the official website.
By expanding access to credential programs that connect education with industry needs, Illinois 4-H continues its commitment to preparing youth across Illinois for college, careers, military service or entrepreneurship.
