Kentucky is facing a shortage of people to fill technology careers and related fields. There is a need to have trained scientists to solve problems and educate others on issues that are rising, and have a knowledgeable workforce to operate, service, and maintain advancements in robotic manufacturing and production technology. In these fields of technology, women and minorities have been under-represented as holding these careers. According to the Community Assessment Report (2019) for Bullitt County, members wanted to see better youth career readiness.

The Bullitt County Extension Service held a S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) day camp for youth in the county who wanted to explore the career options in science and learn more about the ocean and how scientists utilize ocean robots. There were fifteen youth who participated. Of those youth, ten were female. During this day camp, the youth learned about the ocean and how scientists utilized ocean robots to gain data. The youth then built their own ocean robot models and tested these models in water to see if they were float using their density and buoyancy calculations.

The initial outcomes that were showcased were to have the youth increase interest in the STEM field, learn new skills in STEM, and be introduced to different careers. The intermediate outcomes of the program will be to have the youth apply the skills they learned and share those skills with others. Some long-term outcomes could be that the youth will eventually choose a career path in STEM.