The following is taken from the Session 7 presentation on SET Abilities during the 2012 4-H Science eAcademy:

“Recent research suggests that learning science requires fluency in multiple aspects of conceptual understanding, practices of science, and identification with the scientific community. While 4-H programs have historically emphasized the development of science process skills (which refer to measurable behaviors and transferable abilities reflective of processes involved with scientific reasoning), there is movement towards more authentic engagement in scientific and engineering practices, as outlined in the new Framework for K-12 Science Education. Science and engineering are human enterprises. To be scientifically literate, youth need to jointly understand scientific and engineering concepts, be able to engage in scientific and engineering practices, and see themselves as consumers of and contributors to the scientific community. This session introduces several pedagogical frameworks for engaging youth in science and engineering, including 4-H SET Abilities, Exploratorium’s science process skills, and the NGSS scientific and engineering practices.”

 In the 2022 – 23 program year, Kentucky 4-H SET programs have reached over 46,000 Youth and over 2,600 volunteers.  In addition, Leadership development, career exploration, decision-making skills, youth voice and personal development are important parts of the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development program and are offered through state 4-H Teen Leadership Boards.  In 2015-16, the first Kentucky 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Board was organized.  In its eighth year (2022-23), this Board was made up of 9 youth and 2 advisors. The goal of this Board is to develop an educational program that provides youth opportunities to: master technical skills and creative abilities; explore careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; develop leadership abilities and character; build self-confidence; improve public speaking and presentation skills and share knowledge with others.  This year’s SET Leadership Board worked both virtually and in person to develop high quality STEM opportunities for KY 4-H youth as well as other youth and adults throughout the Commonwealth and on a National Level at the IGNITE by 4-H Youth Summit where they presented two workshops to their peers and 4-H Professionals and volunteers.  Graduates from the SET Leadership Board have gone on to pursue their passions as they further their education in areas such as Mechanical Engineering (4), Biomedical Engineering and Sciences (2), Aviation (commercial pilot – 2), Pre-Veterinary/Vet School, Astrophysics, and Computer Science to mention a few.

 One of the biggest accomplishments of a recent Board Member comes from 2022 Graduate and 4-year member, Ethan Roberts. Ethan is an incoming Sophomore at the University of Mississippi majoring in Biomedical Engineering and is currently serving as an intern with the Baptist Health Pre-med Academy in Paducah, Kentucky.