Mars is committing $3 million to youth education and career development through a three-year partnership with the National 4-H Council. The initiative aims to introduce as many as 200,000 young people across the United States to career opportunities in food science, agriculture and veterinary medicine.
Provided through the Mars Impact Fund, the investment will support the National 4-H Council’s Beyond Ready programme. Over the next three years, the programme will help participants build practical skills, confidence and work-related experience as they prepare for an economy shaped by rapid technological, social and commercial change.
The partnership responds to a long-term workforce priority for Mars: helping young people understand the range of science-based careers available to them and providing the education, guidance and practical exposure required to pursue those opportunities.
The programme will place particular emphasis on food science, agricultural sciences and veterinary medicine. It will also introduce participants to the wider forces shaping the food and beverage industry, including food manufacturing trends, food processing technology, food distribution trends and food and drink industry innovation.
Linking learning with workforce requirements
The partnership will draw on the 4-H Cooperative Extension network, which collaborates with more than 100 public universities to provide applied learning in communities throughout the US.
Through the funded projects, young people will gain exposure to potential professions outside the traditional classroom environment. Activities will include specialist workshops, field visits, professional mentoring, university programmes and practical, hands-on learning.
Six university partnerships will create programmes tailored to regional priorities and interests. In California, participants will have access to mobile veterinary education. Florida will host workshops focused on agricultural technology and food science, while Georgia will develop career-readiness pathways that combine education in agriculture and food science with practical experience.
Projects in Illinois, Michigan and Tennessee will provide opportunities to examine food systems, food security, agricultural sciences and veterinary careers. The programmes may also help participants understand how wider sector developments, including food and drink sustainability, food and drink regulations and advances in food and drink packaging, influence professional roles across the value chain.
The funding will further provide scholarships for young people to attend the National 4-H Council’s Ignite programme. The event combines leadership training, career discovery and networking, giving participants opportunities to connect their interests with potential education and employment routes.
Rather than stopping at general awareness, the initiative aims to help young people gain relevant capabilities and develop a clearer understanding of the qualifications, experiences and decisions involved in entering scientific and technical professions.
Supporting the future talent pipeline
Mars’ investment reflects the company’s belief that future scientific talent develops through early engagement, meaningful experiences and direct links between education and employment.
“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 said the partnership would give the next generation access to education, experience and mentorship.
The programme also underlines the importance of introducing young people to technical careers before they begin making decisions about higher education and employment. Food science and agricultural technology cover a diverse set of disciplines, including product development, ingredient research, production efficiency, animal health and food security.
Young people who encounter these fields through practical learning may gain a better understanding of the breadth of career options available. They may also see how scientific expertise supports areas such as food and drink marketing, changing food and drink consumer trends and the development of more sustainable supply chains.
The programme’s long-term effect on recruitment, however, will depend on whether early career interest develops into continued education, professional training and employment in the relevant sectors.
Part of a broader community investment
The grant is one element of the Mars Impact Fund’s wider effort to create lasting value in communities connected to the company’s operations. Established in February 2026, the fund focuses on improving resilience in sourcing communities, supporting the next generation of scientists and advancing the wellbeing of companion animals.
For the National 4-H Council, the collaboration contributes to the organisation’s broader Beyond Ready objective of helping 10 million young people build the skills, confidence and character needed to succeed by 2030.
Heather Elliott, chief development and marketing officer at the National 4-H Council, said the partnership would help connect young people’s developing capabilities with practical career routes in food, agriculture and veterinary science.
The initiative is designed to deliver more than temporary educational engagement. By combining career awareness with applied learning, mentorship and opportunities to build technical skills, Mars and the National 4-H Council hope to strengthen the future workforce in industries that rely on scientific knowledge, innovation and specialist expertise.
Source: Mars Impact Fund awards $3 million to National 4-H Council.
