IEI is not the first organization to be talking about Generation Z. Several organizations across the state have been working hard to empower these youth to succeed. Here are just a few resources that can help your organization support youth in your area.
The North Carolina Rural Center announced its ambitious New Generation Initiative in November. The initiative is a three-year, $3.6 million effort to transform rural communities through youth and young adult engagement. It offers opportunities in entrepreneurship development, on-the-job training, leadership development and community service. Two grants programs are now accepting applications, and the young entrepreneurship program is about to get underway.
North Carolina 4-H has been working with youth in NC for more than 100 years. Through its Revolution of Responsibility, NC 4-H empowers youth to solve problems, share ideas and serve others. 4-H programs in North Carolina serve more than 235,000 youth across the state and they rely on more than 20,000 volunteers to help make sure that every child who wants to be a part of 4-H has the opportunity to do so.
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners partners with North Carolina 4-H for a youth summit each August and is committed to helping develop youth into future leaders for our state and engaging youth with their county governments.
The Nature Research Center, that will be opening April 20 in downtown Raleigh will attract young people from all across the state and will get them excited about science and technology. They offer a host of different programming opportunities and field trips, and our students will benefit immensely from its presence in our state.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of North Carolina serves 32,000 youth ages 6-18 in 44 counties across North Carolina. They provide high-impact, affordable programs, and caring adult mentors, to keep kids on the path to great futures, emphasizing academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Boys & Girls Clubs work with those youth who are typically most at-risk of dropping out, leading unhealthy lifestyles, and participating in crime.
The FFA in North Carolina also continues to changes lives and prepare students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Through a host of leadership and service activities, the FFA engages engaged youth in a wide range of agricultural education activities, leading to career opportunities in agricultural science, food, fiber and natural resources industries.
Several other organizations like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Kids Voting NC, Youth Empowered Solutions, Triangle Youth Leadership Services, and many, many others are actively supporting youth throughout our state. Click on the logos below to learn more about some of our youth partner organizations.
