2026 Impact Highlight
San Luis Valley Area, Southern Region
Educational tour connects 4-H Livestock Judging Team youth with college, career pathways
Colorado State University Extension works to prepare youth for future educational and career opportunities. Rural youth often have limited exposure to post-secondary education options and collegiate agricultural programs. To address this need, members of the San Luis Valley (SLV) 4-H Livestock Judging Team participated in a week-long educational tour across Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma. The experience was designed to help youth explore higher education pathways while strengthening livestock evaluation knowledge and exposing participants to potential agricultural career opportunities
CSU San Luis Valley Area Extension organized a multi-state educational tour that connected SLV 4-H Livestock Judging Team members with colleges and universities known for successful livestock judging programs. Participants met with coaches and students, toured campuses and facilities, explored academic programs, and learned about opportunities available through collegiate livestock judging teams.
Youth also participated in livestock judging educational activities that expanded technical skills and exposed them to different coaching approaches and competitive environments. The experience encouraged leadership development, teamwork and peer-to-peer learning.
Results
Evaluation results showed measurable gains in participants’ understanding of post-secondary opportunities and readiness for future educational decisions. Youth demonstrated a 10.5% increase in college awareness and knowledge, a 7.85% increase in confidence and preparedness for post-secondary education, an 8.6% increase in their ability to identify colleges that align with personal goals and preferences, and a 26.3% increase in financial awareness centered around college expenses.
Participants reported a stronger understanding of junior college and university options, increased awareness of educational and career pathways, and greater motivation to pursue academic and personal goals. Youth also highlighted the value of interactions with collegiate coaches and mentors and noted stronger communication, teamwork and peer relationships resulting from the experience.
By increasing college awareness, confidence and decision-making skills among rural youth, Colorado State University Extension is helping prepare future agricultural professionals, community leaders and a skilled workforce. Experiences that connect young people with higher education opportunities support informed educational choices, strengthen leadership capacity and contribute to the long-term vitality of rural communities and the agricultural industry.