Grit to Grow Summit to help teens explore their futures in June

A three-day youth career and life skills event designed to help New Hampshire teens explore their futures will take place June 22-24, bringing together students, parents, educators, training programs, and employers from across the state.

Hosted by New Hampshire 4H, the Grit to Grow Summit is open to rising 10th graders through high school graduates from the class of 2026. The summit is designed to strengthen career readiness, personal resilience, and real world life skills through hands on learning and direct engagement with industry and community partners.

“This is more than a traditional career fair,” said Mike Harris, 4H program manager for Belknap County. “The Grit to Grow Summit gives young people the chance to try on career paths, build confidence, and connect with adults who can help them take the next step.”

The summit offers both one- and two-day participation options, with early-bird and regular registration rates available. Full scholarships for Belknap County youth are available through the Belknap County Cooperative Extension Office, ensuring cost is not a barrier to participation.

The summit begins Monday, June 22, at Lakes Region Community College, where students participating in the overnight option will focus on “Building Your Future Self.” On Tuesday, June 23, the summit moves to the Inn at Mill Falls in Meredith, for “Building Your Career,” a day open to both teens and parents. Parents are encouraged to attend as partners, gaining insight into how best to support their teen’s evolving goals. The final day, Wednesday, June 24, also at the Inn at Mill Falls, is geared toward employers and community partners. Professionals will gather to share insight, build partnerships, and participate in a public-facing career fair that emphasizes two way learning between teens and industry leaders.

More information and registration details are available at extension.unh.edu/event/2026/06/discover-your-future-grit-grow-summit.

For scholarship information, contact the Belknap County Cooperative Extension Office at 603-527-5475, or ce.belknap@unh.edu.