Chambana Sun

Over 140 students from eighth to twelfth grade across Illinois attended a 4-H College and Career Road Trip at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The conference aimed to prepare young people for higher education and future careers by offering workshops and exposure to various opportunities.

Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist Cindy Ogwal expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, "I was thrilled to see our youth engaging with such enthusiasm and curiosity about their future paths." She emphasized the mission to provide options beyond traditional college routes, including trades, military service, and careers like firefighting and teaching through programs such as Golden Apple.

Participants engaged in sessions on college readiness, career exploration, and personal development. They were guided by experts from institutions like East Central IL Building & Construction Trades Council, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Illinois Fire Service Institute-University of Illinois, United Prairie, ETI School of Skilled Trades, Golden Apple Foundation, among others.

Ogwal highlighted the success of the event: “Witnessing their eagerness to explore and navigate the diverse workshops offered validates the need for such initiatives.” She noted that attendees formed meaningful connections during the event.

The workshops covered topics such as entrepreneurship, business fashion, agriculture financial literacy. Sessions included The Making of an Entrepreneur; All About the Business; Rockin’ the Runway: Dressing for Success in Current Culture; Gear into Precision Planting; Career Pro's Declassified Resume Writing Survival Guide; Build Your Future Workshop; Welcome to the Real World (Financial Literacy for Teens); College Quest- HBCU Experience; The Financial Aid Process; College Jeopardy; Where in the World will your Career take you?

Individuals interested in learning more about college and career programming can contact their local Extension Office.

Illinois 4-H is part of University of Illinois Extension under the College of Agriculture Consumer Environmental Sciences. It focuses on empowering youth for life today while preparing them for tomorrow's careers. Research shows that 4-H participants are more likely to contribute positively to their communities make healthier choices be civically active participate in STEM programs.

For further information contact Cindy Ogwal at cowusu@illinois.edu or Carissa Nelson at carissa7@illinois.edu.