Demand for nutrition and dietetics professionals is growing in Kentucky and around the nation. Yet, a significant proportion of professionals do not learn about career opportunities in the field until later in life. This exposure gap may contribute to the shortage of nutrition and dietetics professionals needed to address the increased interests and needs of our population. Exposing 4-H youth to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) career opportunities like nutrition and dietetics can provide inspiration and help make informed decisions about educational paths for the future. 

In collaboration with faculty and staff from the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition (DHN), Drs. Sara Maksi and Courtney Luecking facilitated a two-day, nutrition and dietetics major for 13, 4-H members from across Kentucky. The major focused on technology in the field of nutrition and dietetics by providing virtual, simulation, and real-life activities depicting the range of career opportunities in the field. 

Before starting the major, approximately half the youth were familiar with careers in nutrition and dietetics and a quarter of youth were interested in such a career. Youth started off with Chef Rachel to make pasta and sauce from scratch. Youth reported a range of experience in the kitchen prior to the conference, but all students got their hands dirty to mix, knead, and feed dough through the pasta machine. The group unanimously determined the marinara sauce was the crowd favorite. Then, students rotated through a virtual reality session with a registered dietitian, learned about body composition and resting energy assessments from a current DHN undergraduate student, and received general career guidance from a DHN faculty and Extension specialist who is a 4-H alumnus. 

On day two, youth talked through the foundations of nutritious eating patterns. After that presentation, all youth were able to link components of meals at the conference to MyPlate food groups and construct nutritious meal and snack ideas. The major wrapped up with an engaging visit to the University of Kentucky HealthCare Simulation Center. There, youth observed a cardiology resident practicing heart imaging, ran a CPR code, intubated a patient, played games to strengthen hand-eye coordination for laparoscopic surgery, and even delivered a baby. After completing the major, familiarity with career opportunities in nutrition and dietetics increased, as did general interest and nutrition and health-related fields. One incoming student to the University of Kentucky expressed interest in the Nutrition for Human Performance certificate offered through the department. 

The field of nutrition and dietetics offers diverse career paths. Experiential learning opportunities that reflect the variety of the field was an engaging way to introduce 4-H youth to nutrition and dietetics as a STEM career opportunity or strong foundation for other health-related positions.