4-H and KYFB Agri Science Fair 

First year for our partnership with Knott Co Farm Bureau for Agri Science Fair.  The competition was open to 4^th through 8^th grades countywide.   The categories included Food Science, Nutrition, Environmental, Biological and Engineering Sciences.  The county 4-H agent promoted the new program and event by visiting science classrooms at all 7 elementary schools in the county distributing over 1,000 promotional flyers.  Knott Co Farm Bureau provided award incentives for county winners.  

The Knott county champion advanced to the district competition placing 1^st and will advance to the state KY Farm Bureau /science fair competition in Louisville this coming November.  The youth incentives did help with participation in the event.  Our young man at this point has earned $225 for his Agri Science fair presentations and additional lodging for the Louisville competition at the Galt House Hotel. 

Involving our youth today in 4-H STEM opportunities that “SPARK” their interest can lead those lifelong benefits from participation in early learning. The 2019 Knott County Community Assessment Report identified the importance for “More qualified employees for existing or new jobs” and “More jobs paying good wages with benefits.”  STEM youth programs help meet the identified needs.  

According to the US Department of Commerce, STEM has a positive outlook for career opportunities and potential for higher earning capacity. 

• Employment in STEM occupations grew much faster than employment in non-STEM occupations over the last decade (24.4 percent versus 4.0 percent, respectively), 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.
• STEM degree holders enjoy higher earnings, regardless of whether they work in STEM or non-STEM occupations. A STEM degree holder can expect an earnings premium of 12 percent over non-STEM degree holders, holding all other factors constant.

This program offered in conjunction with other 4-H STEM oriented club work has great potential in the upcoming years for our youth and community to benefit long term.

References:

Stem jobs: 2017 update. U.S. Department of Commerce. (2021, March 24). https://www.commerce.gov/data-and-reports/reports/2017/03/stem-jobs-2017-update