A young child may have many dreams of their future careers. These dream jobs tend to be related to jobs of family members or positions associated with mainstream media enjoyed by the youth.  To expand youth's awareness, Green County 4-H includes career awareness in programs with their 4-H Cloverbuds.  Cloverbuds target youth younger than nine years of age and provides learning activities with caring adults open to all youth and families. Activities include learning about plants and animals through hands-on activities and field trips. Additional topics include health, sharing and being responsible. In the past twelve years, over two hundred youth have participated in the Cloverbuds program with many kids being repeat participants.Monthly programs focus on different skills, interest or values allowing the youth to begin identifying their strengths and talents in a fun, supportive environment.  

Examples of programs include artistic opportunities.  Youth who live in homes with adults who lack artistic skills often lack exposure to art programs.  4-H had programs taught by a trained artist in drawing and music.  Youth created a painted piece of art and built a musical instrument they could keep and be proud of their work.  One shy student played his instrument with pride and offered to play a song that he liked to listen. At the end of the monthly programs, the group talks about career opportunities that related to that night's program.  From the one night's artistic program, youth were able to identify over twenty different jobs that were of interest to them.  

4-H helps young students explore career paths by seeing possibilities in the skills, talents, and activities they enjoy.