US agri co-op CHS has announced a $1m investment in programmes to develop future generations of agricultural leaders.
The two-year commitment comes through CHS Foundation in partnership with youth development organisation National 4-H Council.
The money will will support Beyond Ready, a 4-H initiative launched in 2024 to help teens build the confidence, competencies and real-world skills they need to succeed in school, work and life.
Support will also go to Beyond Ready innovation grants, which support local 4-H programmes led by education network Cooperative Extension. Young people will explore science, technology, and innovation shaping agriculture while building skills they can use throughout their lives, says CHS.
And funding will go into youth recognition programmes, a national youth summit and storytelling projects.
“The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers,” said said CHS Foundation president Megan Wolle. “Our continued partnership with 4-H is one of the ways CHS and the CHS Foundation are investing in opportunities that connect young people to agriculture, expand their networks, and prepare them for success in work and life.
“This investment focuses on bringing hands-on experiences closer to home for students and reflects our commitment to ensuring a strong future for agriculture.”
After Ignite by 4-H, youth participants will apply their skills through 4-H Lead to Change, a programme that helps young people identify local challenges, develop solutions, and compete for up to $10,000 to bring their plans to life.
“Washington 4-H teens are a great example of what young people can accomplish when they have support to bring their ideas to life,” said Heather Elliott, chief development and marketing officer for National 4-H Council.
