North Dakota youth are finding their ‘Next Chapter’ at NDSU
A 4-H initiative to educate North Dakota high schoolers has now spent a year in their classrooms, and initial reactions indicate that not only are youth receiving valuable guidance about their career aspirations, but a good number of them will choose to attend North Dakota State University to make their passions a reality.
The Next Chapter at NDSU initiative is a response to a national survey of high schoolers indicating that they do not feel prepared for a job after graduation and want an educational pathway that is shorter, more affordable and connected to a career. The program also helps connect youth and professionals to foster networking and mentorship.
In January 2025, NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development announced that the Next Chapter at NDSU initiative was selected to receive a $250,000 grant from the CHS Foundation.
Now, the program is seeing some of the first responses to this college- and career-readiness curriculum from instructors, as well as from the NDSU Office of Admission.
The curriculum features 17 adaptable lesson plans on topics such as time management, resume writing and financial management. Delivered in the classroom, after school and in 4-H club settings, the program aims to prepare youth to succeed in their future careers — to be “Beyond ready,” an initiative by the National 4-H Council to prepare youth to be healthy, productive and engaged.
Margo Bowerman, NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development STEM specialist, says feedback from instructors has been very positive.
“Family and consumer science teachers, particularly, are finding a lot of value in the skill-building lessons,” says Bowerman. “Independent living skills are what seem to be desired most.”
A feature of Next Chapter at NDSU is the Careers in a Box resource. Designed to expand program reach and enhance youth development, Careers in a Box introduces participants to career-focused activities that provide real-world experiences.
CHS Foundation funding supported the purchase of materials and assembly of 271 agricultural Careers in a Box kits. Agricultural career pathways represented in the CHS-funded kits include food safety officer, sensory meat scientist, livestock nutritionist, agricultural broadcaster, livestock breeder, soil conservationist and hydroponics technician.
“Of course, we’ve heard these Careers in a Box are especially appreciated by ag teachers,” says Bowerman. “We’ll continue to work with NDSU faculty to educate high-schoolers on how these careers are attached to an education, including what NDSU can offer.”
Bowerman recalls feedback from after a lesson on financial literacy was taught to youth.
“The instructors are letting us know that these lessons are getting through to youth in ways that they weren’t before,” says Bowerman.
Estimating 15 students use a Careers in a Box resource, the kits could potentially provide agricultural career exploration experiences to over 4,000 youth. Because these classroom-ready resources are designed for repeated use, their long-term impact is expected to extend well beyond the initial grant period.
According to the NDSU Office of Admission, students have been more likely to attend NDSU after participating in Next Chapter, as it builds connections between youth and NDSU support and admissions resources.
Leigh Ann Skurupey, assistant director of 4-H Youth Development, says she was excited to hear just how effective Next Chapter is proving to be.
“It has been incredible working with NDSU Admissions,” says Skurupey. “They have provided a lot of support for this project, and we are already seeing the impact: 59% of our participating 2026 graduates applied to NDSU. This is a true recruitment opportunity.
“We couldn’t have done this without the generous support from CHS,” adds Skurupey.
The program’s next steps are to further bridge the skill-building curriculum to the Careers in a Box, providing students with clearer guidance to achieve their professional goals.
North Dakota 4-H is continuing to explore developing additional Career in a Box opportunities, such as soil science, to expand opportunities for youth to connect with additional agricultural career pathways and NDSU expertise.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Margo Bowerman, NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development STEM specialist, 701-231-5634
