MANHATTAN, Kan. July 2, 2021— Kansas 4-H hosted Discovery Days, a signature program for career exploration, using a blended learning platform in June. During the four day event, more than 100 Kansas 4-H youth around the state, ages 13-18, participated in interactive virtual sessions about college readiness and industry engagement.
Kansas 4-H partnered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture to reach more 4-H members through volunteer engagement in virtual sessions and providing funds for career exploration curriculum and kits for participants. The career exploration activities reached more than 1,700 youth and empowered them to discover interests and think about future careers.
“The Kansas Department of Agriculture is proud to support 4-H Discovery Days and the opportunities it presents to engage young people in meaningful career exploration,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “The future of Kansas agriculture will rely on a talented, accomplished workforce, and we know from experience that the skills learned in 4-H help youth develop into the leaders and citizens who will make up the backbone of that future.”
In addition to the philanthropic partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas 4-H expanded their academic partnership with Kansas State University to include teaching and learning partners from all nine colleges, the Staley School of Leadership Studies and the Career Center.
“Discovery Days at Kansas State University has been a historical pillar for generations illustrating the partnership between 4-H Youth Development programs and K-State for 98 years introducing youth to their next career and educational steps in 4-H project interest areas,”
Weber said. “We look forward to this continued partnership with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and 4-H alumni as we resume in-person Discovery Days at the K-State Manhattan Campus in 2022."