The UNH Extension 4-H Grit to Grow Collaborative, in collaboration with the Governor’s Task Force on Bring Back the Trades, invites New Hampshire’s teens as future leaders to an immersive, unique event designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and highlight pathways to meaningful careers.
This experience empowers teens to explore their career and engage with high-demand industries while sharing their needs with industry and community leaders across the Granite State.
The collaborative, hands-on experience bridges the conversation between industry leaders and the next generation of talent, creating space to build connections, explore possibilities, and chart a confident path toward college, career, and life readiness.
Event Logistics
Dates: June 22–June 24, 2026 Locations:
- June 22- Lakes Region Community College, Laconia, NH
- June 23-24 Inn at Mill Falls, Meredith, NH
Registration Dates
- Early Bird: January 16 – March 1, 2026
- Regular: March 1 – May 1, 2026
Registration Options
The Engaged Future Leader Experience
Format: Two full days for youth; one-day adult caregiver entry on June 23, 2026
Audience: Rising Sophomore – Rising Senior | Maximum Capacity: 90 teens
Cost:
Early Bird:
- $325
After March 1:
- $375
Exploring My Future: One-Day Experience (with Lunch)
Audience: Rising sophomore – Graduated Senior | Maximum Capacity: 40 teens
Cost:
Early Bird
- $50 (price includes admission and lunch for one student)
- $75 (Price includes admission and lunch for one student and one adult family member)
After March 1:
- $60 (price includes admission and lunch for one student)
- $90 (Price includes admission and lunch for one student and one adult family member)
Registration Process: Youth will register via ZSuite for basic information and will receive a follow-up email regarding workshop selection, accommodation requests, and additional details. ZSuite and Qualtrics Family/parent engagement process will be included in youth registration.
Summit Framework
Day 1: Build Your Future Self
Monday, June 22 Lakes Region Community College, Laconia 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Youth participants engage in immersive, project-based career exploration activities focused on self-discovery, skill development, and exposure to diverse career and educational pathways. Sessions integrate 4-H experiential learning with real-world applications in trades, technology, agriculture, health sciences, and more.
Teens will depart Lakes Region Community College by bus and travel to the Inn at Mill Falls. The evening includes dinner, time to explore Meredith, and a dance. Participants will stay overnight at the Inn.
Day 2: Building Your Career : Current and Future Leaders of Industry, Education, and Community
Tuesday, June 23 Inn at Mill Falls 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Create an opportunity for future workforce members to engage with leaders of industry as well as education, enabling young people to see potential career and academic pathways while industry members learn about the needs of their future workforce.
- Future pathways expo with vendors from industry and education institutions for career planning and resource support.
This day bridges youth and industry through interactive panels, skill-based workshops, and employer-led sessions that highlight the qualities of a “Beyond Ready” employee. Industry and education partners gain direct insight into the needs and aspirations of their future workforce.
Families are invited to attend caregiver-focused workshops and the Future Pathways Expo with their teen. The youth portion of the event concludes at 5:00 p.m.
Highlights include: the Governor’s Address and the Future Pathways Expo.
* Evening Networking Event for Industry and Educators:
Networking Session for Grit to Grow Collaborative Members along with Industry, Education, and Government leaders. Open invitation to learn about the Collaborative as well as increase connections with NH businesses and potential community partners and sectors 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Day 3: Building New Hampshire’s Workforce Together
Wednesday, June 24 Inn at Mill Falls 9:00 am–3:00 pm
- Create an opportunity for leaders of industry, education, and government to explore the challenges with recruiting and retaining an employable workforce
- Create learning sessions for industry leaders to learn about how to support engaging young people in their organizations (onboarding and access points for teens)
- Offer a Career & Education Expo for community members (18+) for current job openings, educational tracks, and community engagement opportunities
Business, education, and community leaders convene for workshops and expert panels focused on workforce development strategies, youth employability skills, and pathways to strengthen collaboration between education and industry.
Job Fair: Open to the public.
