Youth lack exposure to broad Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities exposing them to future careers and problem-solving skills.  The Department of Commerce reports that STEM occupations are growing at 17% which is almost twice other occupations at 9.8%. In order to provide youth exposure to STEM skills and careers, the Green County Cooperative Extension Service and 4-H program offered youth an afterschool computer science club.  

The twenty-seven youth collaborated with teen, adult, and community volunteers through hands-on, experiential learning activities where they learned computer coding skills.  The youth created and coded computer games similar to ones they were playing at home for entertainment. Professionals talked about the career opportunities and salary potential for qualified computer programs.  Those salaries are substantially higher than the Green County average household income.  The youth-adult groups worked through the scientific method and engineering design model to discover solutions to real-world problems by using their computer coding skills to design, build and code robots to accomplish simple tasks.  

One youth mentioned he had a robotic vacuum at home, and the volunteer challenged him to design and code one which he was able to achieve.  The youth participants stated through surveys they now feel more comfortable in their abilities to be engaged in a computer-based society and pursue careers in this field.  Green County is a community that struggles with low-paying jobs. Exposing 4-H members to science and encouraging their curiosity creates paths to advanced science programs in our high school for at-risk youth who would have never considered these pathways.  According to the Department of Commerce, STEM careers have higher incomes and play a key role in a community’s economic growth.  4-H anxiously awaits for these participants to return to our community so they can serve as adult mentors to our future 4-H science project members.