4-H Grit to Grow Collaborative

Establishing the Need for G2G Collaborative: 

In 2021, UNICEF Director Henrietta Fore challenged government officials and business leaders to identify ways to provide our youth with work-based learning opportunities to help them thrive in today’s job market. Four years later youth continue to navigate a complex work-readiness landscape shaped by demographic shifts, accelerating globalization, and rapid technological advancements. These shifts have been compounded by recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting labor force dynamics. As youth struggle to explore, access and prepare for meaningful career pathways, New Hampshire businesses are struggling to retain a workforce that is not only skilled in areas needed but also fully prepared to meet the demands of work-life balance. 

In response to the above challenges UNH Extension 4-H has established the NH Grit to Grow Collaborative (G2G): a cross-sector council of industry, education, and civic leaders dedicated to connecting youth to experiences designed to help them identify and achieve their future workforce goals. While there are a number of youth-focused workforce development initiatives currently exist in New Hampshire, resources have been limited and therefore are supported solely by industry associations or educational institutions, creating a ‘sector silo’ effect and ultimately narrowing the landscape of opportunities and pathways for youth. 

Supported by a broad coalition of education, industry, and civic leaders as well as the New Hampshire Governor’s Task Force for Workforce Development, the Collaborative is dedicated to breaking down silos and barriers to help grow the NH future workforce as well as strengthen local communities.

 G2G Mission Statement: “To identify and overcome the barriers young people face in entering the New Hampshire workforce, empowering them to build successful and sustainable career pathways.” 

G2G Vision Statement: “We envision a New Hampshire where every young person and their family can access and navigate diverse workforce pathways—through strong collaboration with schools, employers, and community partners—to build a future of opportunity and economic empowerment” 

G2G Goals: 1) Establish a centralized communication hub for all those who are interested in developing future leaders of community and industry

 2) Amplify existing youth workforce efforts and co-develop/deliver regional and statewide future workforce ready initiatives. 

For more information, reach out to Pam Shore: Pamela.shore@unh.edu