The three-year partnership with National 4-H Council aims to connect up to 200,000 young people in the US with career pathways in food science, agriculture and veterinary sciences.

Mars is investing $3 million in youth education and career development to help strengthen the pipeline of future talent for the food, agriculture and veterinary sectors.

The funding, awarded through the Mars Impact Fund, will support National 4-H Council’s Beyond Ready programme over three years. The initiative aims to give young people practical skills, confidence and career experiences that can help prepare them for work in a rapidly changing economy.

For Mars, the partnership addresses a longer-term workforce challenge: ensuring young people understand the opportunities available in science-related careers and have access to the education and experiences needed to pursue them.

The programme is expected to reach up to 200,000 young people across the US, with a particular focus on food science, agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine.

Connecting education with industry needs

The partnership will use 4-H’s Cooperative Extension network, which works with more than 100 public universities to deliver practical learning experiences in local communities.

Rather than relying solely on classroom-based education, the funded initiatives will introduce young people to potential careers through workshops, specialist programmes, field trips, professional connections and hands-on activities.

Six university partnerships will deliver tailored programmes reflecting local interests and needs. These include mobile veterinary education in California, agricultural technology and food science workshops in Florida, and career-readiness pathways linking agriculture and food science education with practical experience in Georgia.

Other initiatives in Illinois, Michigan and Tennessee will provide opportunities to explore food systems, food security, agricultural sciences and veterinary careers.

The funding will also support scholarships for young people to attend National 4-H Council’s Ignite programme, which combines leadership development with career exploration and networking.

The aim is to help participants move beyond awareness of science careers towards developing relevant skills and understanding the steps needed to enter these fields.

Building a longer-term talent pipeline

The investment reflects Mars’ view that developing future scientific talent requires early engagement, practical experience and opportunities to connect learning with potential careers.

“Demand for skilled talent in food science, agriculture and veterinary medicine continues to grow and we want to be sure that young people have the opportunity to explore those careers,” said Michelle Grogg, executive director of the Mars Impact Fund.

She added that the partnership would help equip the next generation with education, experiences and mentorship.

The initiative highlights the importance of building awareness of the sector’s scientific and technical career opportunities before young people enter the labour market.

Food science and agricultural technology span a broad range of activities, from developing products and understanding ingredients to improving food production and addressing food security. Introducing these disciplines through practical learning could help young people recognise the breadth of opportunities available.
However, the programme’s longer-term workforce impact will depend on whether career exploration translates into sustained education, training and entry into relevant professions.
Beyond a single funding initiative

The grant forms part of the Mars Impact Fund’s wider commitment to generating long-term benefits in communities where the business operates. Launched in February 2026, the fund focuses on strengthening sourcing-community resilience, developing the next generation of scientists and improving companion animal wellbeing.

For National 4-H Council, the partnership supports its broader Beyond Ready ambition to equip 10 million young people with the skills, confidence and character needed to succeed by 2030.

Heather Elliott, chief development and marketing officer at National 4-H Council, said the collaboration would help connect young people’s developing skills with tangible career pathways in food, agriculture and veterinary science.

The partnership seeks to achieve more than short-term educational engagement. By introducing young people to scientific careers and giving them opportunities to develop practical capabilities, Mars and National 4-H Council aim to strengthen the foundations for a future workforce across sectors that depend on scientific knowledge and technical expertise.
Source: Mars Impact Fund awards $3 million to National 4-H Council.