Extension
It Starts With Us
4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology
Enhancing Life Skills and Fostering Youth & Family Development
Misty Wilmoth
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Kentucky STEM Workforce Facts:
Although not the largest industry in the Commonwealth, STEM careers do have a large economic impact.
- Through November 2019, Kentucky exported $13.25 billion of aerospace products and parts, a 16.7% year over year increase (Lopez, 2020)
- Kentucky has seen a 63% employee increase in the private aerospace products and parts manufacturing industry since 2002 (Lopez, 2020).
- The Kentucky Annual Mean Wage is $42,410 (BLS, 2019)
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations make up 1.6% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $68.790 (BLS, 2019).
- Architecture and Engineering Occupations make up 1.4% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $72,460 (BLS, 2019).
- Healthcare Occupations make up 6.6% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $70,740 (BLS, 2019).
- Skilled Trade Occupations make up 8.2% of Kentucky Jobs with an annual mean wage of $45,695 (BLS, 2019).
Situation: According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 2017 STEM Jobs Update, Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workers help drive our nation’s innovation and competitiveness by generating new ideas and new companies. For example, workers who study or are employed in these fields are more likely to apply for, receive, and commercialize patents. STEM knowledge also has other benefits; while often very specialized, it can be transferred to a wide variety of careers, particularly management occupations, while increased technology in the workplace means that, to handle non-repetitive tasks, workers need the critical thinking and technical skills that come with STEM training. In the United States, there were nearly 8.6 million STEM jobs in 2015, an increase of 10.5% from 2009 while non-STEM occupations grew only 5.2% in that same period. (Fayer, 2017) and STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.9 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared to 6.4 percent growth for non-STEM occupations (Noonan, 2017). Keeping these opportunities in mind, the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase STEM literacy among youth in Kentucky to help fill the need for a diverse pool of STEM literate individuals to meet expanding job opportunities. Kentucky 4-H provides SET education opportunities by engaging youth in hands-on, interdisciplinary educational experiences that foster an increased understanding and appreciation Science, Technology, Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Programs and projects are offered in the areas of aerospace, biotechnology, computer science, energy and electricity, robotics, physical sciences and petroleum power.
- Youth will increase STEM literacy in the general population
- Youth will innovate in addressing social problems and situations using STEM
- Youth will increase the number and diversity of individuals pursuing educational opportunities and careers in STEM related fields
- Youth will increase the and diversify the pool of trained STEM educators and employees.
- Youth will apply STEM learning skills in contexts outside the 4-H Program e.g., school classes, science fairs, invention contests etc.)
- Youth will and use new methods or improved technology.
- Youth will demonstrate the use of developed life-skills everyday situations.
- Youth will express interest and/or demonstrate aspirations toward STEM Careers.
- Youth will raise questions and identify problem to be addressed using STEM.
- Youth will be engaged in STEM related activities.
- Youth will have an improved attitude toward STEM related subjects.
- Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communications, and leadership.
- Youth will increase their awareness of opportunities to contribute their STEM skills to society.
- Outcome to be Evaluated
- Youth plan and implement a Science, Engineering and Technology project (e.g., Aerospace, Electricity, Robotic etc.).
- Indicator of Success for Outcome
- Youth complete a Science, Engineering and Technology project.
- Method of Evaluation
- 4-H Common Experience Survey
- Program Indicators
- Number of youth who indicated they are interested in learning more about science, engineering, or technology projects? (KOSA)
- Number of youth who participated in project, activity, or event for science, engineering, and technology projects? (PRACTICE)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #6 “Is 4-H A place where you get to figure out things for yourself?” (SEEC)
- Number of youth who indicated “yes or usually” to the Common Measures Experience Survey Question #13 “Is 4-H a place where you have a chance to be a leader?” (SEEC)
Learning Opportunities/Programs
- LaRue County Middle School 6th Grade School Club lessons on Snap Circuits and the National 4-H Science Experiment.
- 4-H Aerospace
- Curriculum: 4-H Aerospace Adventures Curriculum, NASA Rocket Educators Guide
- Training: Agent In-services
- 4-H Biotechnology
- Curriculum: 4-H Agriscience Biotechnology, Science Sleuths
- Training: Agent In-services
- 4-H Computer Science
- Curriculum: 4-H Discovering Computer Science
- Training: Agent In-services
- 4-H Energy and Electricity
- Curriculum: 4-H Electric Excitement, 4-H The Power of Wind, National Energy Education Development (NEED)
- Training: Agent In-services
- 4-H Robotics
- Curriculum: 4-H Junk Drawer Robotics, 4-H Robotics with EV3,
- Training: Agent In-services
- 4-H Physical Sciences
- Curriculum: 4-H Science Discovery Series, 4-H Science Fun with Physics,
- Training: Agent In-services
- 4-H Petroleum Power
- Curriculum: 4-H Small Engines, Purdue 4-H Tractor
- Training: Agent In-services
References:
Lopez, A. T. (n.d.). Think Kentucky for Aerospace and Defense. Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://thinkkentucky.com/Aerospace/
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kentucky - May 2018 OES State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. (2019, April 2). Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm
Noonan, R. (2019, August 9). STEM Jobs: 2017 Update. Retrieved from https://www.commerce.gov/news/reports/2017/03/stem-jobs-2017-update
Fayer, S., Lacey, A., & Watson, A. (2017, January 1). STEM Occupations: Past, Present, And Future. Retrieved February 26, 2020, from https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2017/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-occupations-past-present-and-future/pdf/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-occupations-past-present-and-future.pdf
