Washington County 4-H STEM and College and Career Readiness
Washington County 4-H:
Building Future Ready Youth.
Skills Today. Success Tomorrow.
Today’s youth need more than knowledge—they need the skills and confidence to navigate an ever-changing world. Through hands-on STEM experiences and real-world career exploration, Washington County 4-H empowers young people to think critically, solve problems, and discover their path forward.
We’re not just preparing youth for the future—we’re helping them become truly Beyond Ready.
DID YOU KNOW? 4-H Youth are…
2x
More likely to go on to careers in STEM.1
2x
More likely to participate in out-of-school time science programs.1
40%
More likely to pursue a college degree.2
2x
More likely to obtain vocational or technical training.2
1 https://www.4-h.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/30103358/Beyond-Ready-Campaign-Messaging-Toolkit.pdf
2 https://4-h.org/about/research/teen-perspectives/youth-voice-survey/
College and Career Readiness
Why It Matters
Today’s youth are navigating an uncertain and rapidly changing world. As technology evolves and careers shift, young people need real-world skills, guidance, and opportunities to explore their future. Investing in their growth now is essential to preparing them for success in both work and life.
What We Do
Washington County’s 4-H’s College and Career Readiness programming helps youth build the skills they need to be truly Beyond Ready. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections, youth explore pathways including the workforce, college, military, and skilled trades.
The Impact
4-H equips young people with skills the classroom doesn’t always teach—resilience, adaptability, and lifelong growth. With a proven, research-based approach, 4-H is expanding its reach from 6 million youth to 10 million by 2030 through the Beyond Ready initiative.
Why Now
Youth need support today more than ever. Together, we can empower the next generation to grow into confident, capable individuals—ready for whatever comes next.
S.T.E.M.
Why It Matters
STEM skills are essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving world. From technology to environmental challenges, young people need hands-on experiences that build problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity to prepare for future careers and real-world challenges.
What We Do
4-H STEM programs engage youth through interactive, hands-on learning in areas like robotics, computer science, engineering, environmental science, and financial literacy. Offered through clubs, schools, and community programs, youth explore real-world concepts—from building hydraulic machines and electrical circuits to coding and creating innovative solutions.
The Impact
Through STEM, youth gain more than knowledge—they build confidence and essential life skills like teamwork, communication, and creative thinking. These experiences spark curiosity and open doors to future education and career pathways in high-demand fields.
Why Now
As industries evolve and new challenges emerge, preparing youth with STEM skills has never been more important. 4-H empowers young people to explore, create, and lead—building a generation ready to shape the future.
Upcoming Programming:
Calling all Washington County 4-H scientists in Grades K-5!
Join Engineer and 4-H member Sarah Speck for four exciting, hands-on Zoom sessions where youth build and test balloon poppers, straw rockets, wind turbines, and more. Explore real world STEM concepts like force, motion, energy, and aerodynamics through fun, interactive activities.
Spark curiosity and creativity this summer at Washington County 4-H’s hands-on day camps—Build It! Camp (July 7–9) and Inventor’s Quest Camp (July 14–16)! Open to all Washington County youth in grades 3–8—no 4-H membership required—these engaging camps invite young minds to explore engineering, invention, and problem-solving through fun, real-world challenges.
Summer Academy 2026 at UW-Madison
Discover Pathways to Your Future! Join us at the UW-Madison Campus for an exciting, hands-on experience at Summer Academy. This Positive Youth Development program helps youth explore career and hobby pathways in various fields like agriculture, STEM, leadership, arts, and more. You’ll also have the chance to build friendships and networks with people from across Wisconsin. For all Wisconsin youth in grades 8-11.
Join Washington County 4-H today.
Explore Washington County 4-H STEM projects and more.
Volunteer to become a STEM project leader.
Let’s hear from you! Share your 4-H success story.
Want to Learn More About Washington County 4-H STEM and College & Career Readiness Programming?
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