ENGAGING MISSOURI YOUNG LEADERS:
2026 AND BEYOND
WHO WE ARE
The NextGen Under 30 Program recognizes and encourages the next generation of innovative, creative, and inspiring individuals who push the boundaries in various categories of endeavor.
Gone are the days of migration to the East or West coast to build a career.
Today, there are big opportunities for millennials to succeed in their very own state. The NextGen Under 30 Program’s mission is to identify and honor young Missourians at a State level, and encourage them to follow their passions, family, and career goals in Missouri.
Event Calendar
NextGen Under 30 Day at the Capitol and Awards Ceremony – October 29, 2026
Location: Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City, Missouri
To qualify, nominees must be 30 years of age, or younger, during 2026.
Conor McAteer Honoree
Nominations are Now OPEN!
NextGen Under 30 in the News!
Do you know a Missourian under 30* doing amazing things?
Nomination Categories
Adult and Higher Education
Teaching, training, administration, mentor, operations
Animal Care
Veterinary clinics and professionals, shelters, rescue organizations, pharmaceuticals
The Arts
Performing, visual, literary, as artists, agents, managers, facilitators
Aviation
Any career or job associated with flying or any operation of aircraft
Education K-12
Primary and secondary school teaching, training, administration, mentor, operations
Energy & Transportation
Any role in any energy exploration, generation, analysis, processing, or delivery organization. Plus, anyone who works in any category of the transportation industry
Finance
Jobs with firms that provide financial services to commercial and retail customers
Health Care
Providing medical and healthcare goods or services
Hospitality
Restaurants/Foodservice, bars, and hotels
The Law
Attorneys, paralegals, judges, assistants, managers
Manufacturing, Industry, the Trades, and Agriculture
Individuals engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. Skilled workers, artisans, specialized training. Individuals involved with private or commercial agriculture or agriculture-related enterprises
Media, Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising
Communications companies of all types, whether print, internet, cable, radio, or video broadcast. Companies associated with buying and selling a product or service, including advertising, selling, and delivering products to people
Non-Profit Organizations
Secular or religious organizations formed for the purpose of serving a public or mutual benefit rather than the pursuit or accumulation of owner or investor profit
Policy and Public Service
Services of all types, from fire fighters to librarians, provided by a government to people living within its jurisdiction, either directly (through the public sector) or by financing provision of services
Real Estate
Rent, buy, or sell property for clients. Perform duties, such as study property listings, interview prospective clients, accompany clients to property site, discuss conditions of sale, and draw up real estate contracts
Retail and E-Commerce
Jobs involving selling merchandise or services to others
Science, Technology, and Engineering
From the laboratory to the field and all STEM activities in between
Sports and Outdoors
Any career or job associated with any activity involving physical energy, training, skill, coaching, of any individual or teams
Staffing
Human resources, career counseling, temporary employment, recruiters
Tourism
Career does not fit any of the other categories
Other
Career does not fit any of the other categories