Mars Incorporated has announced a $3 million investment over the next three years to enhance science education and career opportunities for young people in the United States. This initiative is a collaboration between the Mars Impact Fund and the National 4-H Council, aimed at benefiting up to 200,000 youths.
The funding will support the National 4-H Council’s Beyond Ready initiative, which focuses on developing the future workforce in critical areas such as food science, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. The goal is to equip 10 million young people with essential career-ready skills by 2030.
Michelle Grogg, Executive Director of the Mars Impact Fund, stated, “As a family-owned business for 115 years, Mars thinks in generations, prioritizing innovation and inspiring youth to pursue careers in science. Demand for skilled talent in food science, agriculture, and veterinary medicine continues to grow, and we want to ensure that young people have the opportunity to explore those careers.”
The investment is designed to address workforce needs in food production, agricultural innovation, and animal health amid societal pressures from climate change and resource constraints, emphasizing the necessity for skilled professions in these areas.
University Partnerships Deliver Programs
The funding will support six universities through 4-H’s Cooperative Extension network, connecting communities with educational resources. Programs will be tailored to meet regional workforce needs:
- The University of California will develop a mobile veterinary education laboratory for teenagers in Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties.
- Florida A&M University plans to offer agricultural science workshops focused on livestock production and emerging technologies.
- The University of Georgia is set to create a statewide career-readiness pathway aligning agricultural education with professional experiences.
- The University of Illinois will focus on practical workforce skills relevant to food, agricultural, and veterinary sciences.
- Michigan State University aims to promote animal health and food security.
- The University of Tennessee will establish a year-round veterinary science program incorporating virtual learning and hands-on industry exposure.
Additionally, the partnership will provide 20 full scholarships annually for teenagers to attend the National 4-H Council’s Ignite summit, which offers opportunities for career exploration and leadership development.
Heather Elliott, Chief Development & Marketing Officer at the National 4-H Council, emphasized the importance of giving young people direct experiences in science careers, stating, “Young people are curious about science, and seeing themselves in these careers starts with having the opportunity to experience them firsthand.”
The commitment is part of Mars Impact Fund’s broader philanthropic strategy, which has seen more than $20 million in commitments since its launch earlier this year. The partnership illustrates how social investment can support workforce development alongside business needs, aiming to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in vital sectors while contributing to sustainable economic growth.
