More than 80 students from Polk County and Dallas County heard about opportunities to pursue higher education during the 4-H RISE College Access Conference held this week at Des Moines Area Community College’s Ankeny campus. Youths in grades 7-10 from Des Moines Public Schools’ Callanan and Meredith middle schools and Hoover High School, along with students from Marshalltown and Perry community schools and Dowling Catholic High School, participated. In addition to hearing from current 4-H’ers and community leaders, youths in attendance participated in a variety of leadership activities and explored career options led by DMACC faculty. “Highlighting all of the varied opportunities allows youth to pursue a future beyond high school that best fits them,” said Tiffany Berkenes, 4-H youth program specialist for ISU Extension and Outreach. “4-H is committed to empowering and helping youth discover passions and develop skills to be college, career, and community leaders.”