Florida 4-H

A group of people are gathered around a brown horse inside a stable. One person wearing a blue shirt is observing the youth. A third person in a black shirt stands nearby, looking on.

Career Tracks

Youth will pick one (1) career track and attend each session listed.

Career Tracks \| Wednesday July 29 at 10:00AM & Thursday July 30 at 10:00AM
Powering the Future: Nuclear Careers	Rhines Hall	Max: 12
Exploring Veterinary Medicine	UF Veterinary Medicine Education Center	Max: 25
Careers that Strengthen Families & Communities	McCarty Hall	Max: 25
NaviGATORing CALS	McCarty Hall D – CALS Dean’s Office Room	Max: 25
Planet Protectors: Earth Science Careers	Williamson Hall	Max: 15
Future Ready: Leadership & Career Skills at Work	Reitz Union	Max: 20
From Forests to Fisheries	Austin Cary Forest and Millhopper	Max: 30
Designing the Outdoors: Landscape Architecture	Antevy Hall	Max: 20
From Horses to Herds: Integrating Equine and Livestock Learning in 4-H	Horse Teaching Unit and Beef Teaching Unit	Max: 20
Exploring Wildlife Ecology and Conservation	Newins-Ziegler Hall	Max: 24
NextGen Ag Tech Innovators	Campus Garden	Max: 20
The Meat We Eat	Animal Science Department: UF Meat Lab	Max: 20
Healthcare Heroes: Nursing Careers	HPNP Building	Max: 30

CAREER TRACK DESCRIPTIONS

Careers that Strengthen Families & Communities

Presented by: Larry Forthun
UF Family, Youth, and Community Sciences

Discover careers that make a difference in the lives of young people, families, and communities. In this track, participants will explore positive youth development, family and community services, and helping professions. Learn how professionals support healthy relationships, strengthen communities, and empower youth through careers in education, Extension, counseling, and community leadership.

Designing the Outdoors: Landscape Architecture

Presented by: Belinda Nettles
UF Landscape Architecture

Step into the creative world of Landscape Architecture, where design meets nature. In this hands-on track, participants will tour design studios, explore sketches and digital models, and see how landscape architects turn ideas into real-world spaces. Youth will take part in interactive design challenges, walk through and analyze a campus landscape project, and discover how landscape architects shape parks, campuses, and communities.

Exploring Veterinary Medicine

Presented by: Wendy Mesa
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine

4-H participants will explore the exciting world of veterinary medicine, discover the many specialties within the field, and learn how veterinarians play a vital role in One Health, protecting the health of animals, people, and the environment.

Exploring Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Presented by: Sarah Davis and Dr. Shelly Johnson

UF/IFAS Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Step into the role of an ecologist and explore how plants, animals, and the environment interact. In this hands-on outdoor workshop, participants will collect ecological data using iNaturalist, conduct a mini bioblitz in McCarty Woods and learn how scientists study wildlife and natural systems. Youth will also explore education pathways and careers in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

Special Notes: Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, etc.), rain gear (umbrella, raincoat), water bottle, and clothing comfortable for the hot and humid outdoors. Optional: a fully charged mobile device with camera capabilities and the iNaturalist app downloaded.

From Forests to Fisheries

Presented by: Katie Britt and Katie Hagan
UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatic Sciences

Get outdoors and discover careers in forestry, surveying, and fisheries/aquatic systems management. In this track, participants will gain hands-on experience from the three programs in the School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences (FFGS). On the first day you’ll visit the Austin Cary Forest (the University’s experimental forest) where you’ll learn about the role of forests in regulating climate, providing habitat, and supporting our economy, and about the role of surveying and geospatial technologies while getting hands on experience with tools used to map our world. On day two you’ll travel to the Millhopper Campus of the Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences program to learn about aquatic invertebrates, and producing fish to feed humanity (aquaculture). Along the way, participants will discover how professionals use both technology and direct measurements collected in the field, to manage, and conserve, our natural resources.

Special Notes: Closed toed shoes required (no crocs) and long pants. This track will be outdoors in a wooded setting. Consider bringing sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, water, or rain gear.

From Horses to Herds: Integrating Equine and Livestock Learning in 4-H

Presented by: Savannah Linzmaier, Alyson Trimble, Paula Daniels, and Sheri Trent

UF Horse Teaching Unit and Beef Teaching Unit

Explore the world of equine and livestock science through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Participants will learn about horse, cattle, and swine care, 4-H horse shows and contests, and livestock project skills such as grooming, handling, and judging. Youth will also visit the UF Horse Teaching Unit and Beef Teaching Unit to see animal science careers in action and learn about opportunities in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and the livestock industry.

Special Notes: Be prepared to be outside for at least an hour. Wear closed toe shoes.

Future Ready: Leadership & Career Skills at Work

Presented by: Kiera Simmonds

LYFEhouse

Success in the future workplace takes more than talent. It requires strong character, clear communication, and the ability to work well with others. In this interactive workshop, you will tackle real-world scenarios and hands-on challenges that strengthen essential skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. Get ready to learn how everyday decisions shape your reputation, your opportunities, and your future career.

Healthcare Heroes: Nursing Careers

Presented by: Jacobi Bedenfield

University of Florida College of Nursing

Explore the fast-paced world of nursing and healthcare through hands-on experiences. In this track, participants will learn about careers in nursing and the broader healthcare field while participating in realistic nursing simulation activities. Youth will see how healthcare professionals assess patients, make critical decisions, and work as a team to provide quality care, while discovering education pathways and career opportunities in healthcare.

Special Notes: Participants cannot video record or bring water inside the Kirbo Lab. Please dress in business casual. No jeans.

NaviGATORing CALS

Presented by: Andrew Horvath

UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Participants in this interactive workshop will explore the wide range of majors and career pathways available through the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Youth will learn about the freshman and transfer admission process from both student and advisor perspectives while discovering what it’s like to be a CALS student. Along the way, participants will take part in hands-on fun, including a campus scavenger hunt and a CALS-themed escape room challenge.

NextGen Ag Tech Innovators

Presented by: Tre Easterly

UF I2E2 Project

This interactive workshop will explore how technology is transforming agriculture and natural resources. Participants will tackle real-world challenges using innovative tools and hands-on activities, putting them at the center of developing creative solutions to complex problems facing food production, environmental management, and natural resource conservation.

Special Notes: A portion of this workshop may be outside. Bring a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, and other items to prepare for the outdoors.

Planet Protectors: Earth Science Careers

Presented by: Courtney Sprain

UF Geological Sciences

Dive into the dynamic world of Earth Sciences and discover careers that study and protect our planet. In this track, participants will explore fields like geology, climate science, natural resources, water systems, and environmental monitoring. Learn how Earth scientists investigate natural hazards, manage resources, and use science and technology to better understand the planet we live on.

Powering the Future: Nuclear Careers

Presented by: Ira Harkness

UF Materials Science and Engineering/Nuclear Engineering

Learn about nuclear energy careers include designing, operating, and maintaining nuclear facilities. Opportunities range from engineers and technicians to skilled trades like welders and electricians, along with roles in cybersecurity, finance, and environmental compliance that support power generation, medicine, research, and national security.

Special Notes: Wear closed toed shoes. Be prepared to go up/down a flight of stairs inside the reactor complex.

The Meat We Eat

Presented by: Brian Estevez

UF Animal Science

Explore the world of meat science and the food industry through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Participants will learn about pork fabrication, sausage production, and food safety, while taking part in interactive meat science activities and a taste panel. Youth will also tour a USDA-inspected facility, meet UF faculty, and learn about opportunities like the Florida 4-H Tailgate Contest and careers in the meat and food industries.

Special Notes: Long pants and closed toed shoes required.