What if one evening each week could help your child better understand their strengths, explore careers that match their interests, and build skills employers and colleges value most?
Wisconsin 4-H Winter Academy offers youth an engaging virtual experience designed to do exactly that. Through interactive activities, small-group discussions, self-reflection, and hands-on challenges, participants will explore how their interests, talents, and experiences can help shape future career and educational pathways.
Throughout the four-session series, youth will:
- Identify their sparks, passions, skills, and strengths.
- Explore career clusters and pathways connected to their interests.
- Discover their unique CliftonStrengths® talents and how they show up in everyday life.
- Practice teamwork, communication, and problem-solving through collaborative activities.
- Build emotional awareness, empathy, and strategies for managing challenging situations.
- Strengthen goal-setting and creative communication skills through interactive LEGO®-based learning experiences.
While technical knowledge is important, research consistently shows that durable skills, sometimes called soft skills, are among the most sought-after qualities by employers. Skills such as communication, collaboration, self-awareness, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking are essential for success in both college and the workplace. These skills help young people navigate new experiences, work effectively with others, and confidently pursue opportunities that align with their strengths and interests.
Winter Academy intentionally develops these skills through activities that encourage youth to share ideas, solve challenges together, reflect on their experiences, and learn how their personal strengths can contribute to future success. Participants will practice communicating in small groups, building consensus, understanding emotions, setting goals, and connecting their interests to possible careers.
Winter Academy offers another valuable benefit: helping youth gain greater confidence in who they are and where they want to go. As young people begin exploring college and career options, self-awareness is one of the strongest predictors of making informed and meaningful decisions about their future. By understanding their strengths, interests, values, and skills, youth can better identify pathways that fit their goals and aspirations.
Whether your child already has a future career in mind or is just beginning to explore possibilities, Winter Academy provides a supportive environment where they can discover new opportunities, develop essential life skills, and build confidence for the road ahead.
Join us this January and February and help your child become ready not only for their next step, but for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and success. Sessions will be held from 6-7:30pm on January 13th, 20th, 27th and February 3rd, 2027. This 100% virtual, no-cost program is open to any Wisconsin youth in grades 8-10.
Registration will be open from November 1-30th. Learn more at: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/winter-academy/
