Youth in the new era are an important force driving national development and national rejuvenation.As a core spiritual guide and value benchmark, exemplary spirit plays a pivotal role in shaping young people’s worldviews, outlooks on life, and values. This paper explores the connotation and contemporary value of exemplary spirit, analyzes its intrinsic connection with the responsibility and commitment of youth in the new era, and examines the practical dilemmas in cultivating youth’s sense of responsibility in the current social context. Based on theoretical analysis and case studies of typical role models in different fields, the paper proposes targeted paths to inherit and carry forward exemplary spirit, such as optimizing the cultivation mechanism of role model education, integrating exemplary spirit into campus culture and social practice, and enhancing young people’s subjective initiative in learning and practicing. The research aims to provide a theoretical reference and practical path for guiding young people to firm up their ideals and beliefs, bravely assume the historical mission of the times, and contribute youthful strength to the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.