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4-H College and Career Pathways Conference

4-H College and Career Pathways Conference | Youth Futures


Next conference: Summer 2026
July 20-22, University of Missouri

Youth Leaders Weekend starts July 19!

4-H’ers ages 13+ who participated in Youth Futures are eligible for the 2026 College and Career Pathways Conference. This year’s theme is Deep Roots, Branch Out! Join us for three days to discover your strengths and explore careers. Registration is open now and closes May 1 (late registration May 2-31). See your 4-H Specialist for more information on scholarships and registration.

  • Become self aware and establish your values
  • Build your social support network
  • Discover your voice and advocate for yourself
  • Participate in mock interviews
  • Learn about personal financial literacy
  • Prepare for the ACT
  • Learn enrollment procedures
  • Tour Mizzou and Lincoln campuses
  • Attend a mini career fair

Youth Leaders at a conference, banquet and in the dining hall.

Eligibility

Are you ready? If these criteria apply, you are ready for Youth Futures.

  • You must be an active member (defined by each club) of a full 4-H Youth Futures or Youth Futures SPIN club.
  • You must be connected to University of Missouri Extension and/or Lincoln University Extension programs.
  • You must be a current high school student and have completed at least the 8th grade.
  • You need help choosing and following a college or career path after high school and being successful on that path.

Funding provided by
Missouri 4-H Foundation
Donohew Diversity Fund
FCS Financial
MU Vice Provost for Extension
NIFA CYFAR Sustainable Community Projects

Youth Futures resources

What is the cost to attend the conference?

The fee to attend is $375 and includes all 3 days of housing, meals, activities, and all program activities. Scholarships are available through your program leader.

What are the benefits of attending the conference?

You will:

  • Identify your personal strengths and goals
  • Become familiar with college life
  • Learn about various career options
  • Attend workshops and activities designed to help you succeed in college and careers
  • Receive a lifelong appreciation for the college experience
  • Understand that college is an obtainable goal

What do former youth participants say about what they learned during their Youth Futures experience?

"That attitude is everything. I can do it!"

"All your high school years count; scholarships are easy to get if you study hard."

"I knew college was important but I'm going off earlier than planned."

"I am happy that I got the privilege to attend this conference."

How do I apply for the conference?

Register for the event on 4-H Online. Contact Kellie Seals or call 573-884-9112.

Our Youth Futures experience
by Maggie R. D’Agostino, Youth Futures participant

We will look back for years to come,
to remember the adventure we dared to take.

We were the first ones,
and we won't be the last.

The first time we said hello and found our rooms,
how unsure some of us felt not knowing many of you.

That first meal we just looked at each other,
but the last meal comes too soon.

The things we learned we shall pass on,
to new generations to come.

The fun and laughter and what we thought were hard times,
we will recall in the best of ways.

We held together like a family without a care,
and only knew each other for such little time.

The bond we made through those six days,
we will never forget.

The tears we shared will always be choice topic.

The last night we spent together,
followed by the last day.

We will remember how hard it was to say good-bye,
it will be forever etched in our hearts.

"Embracing Higher Education" by Sarah Garber (PDF)