The following is taken from Elementary and Secondary STEM Education, National Science Board Science and Engineering Indicators:

“Elementary and secondary education in mathematics and science is the foundation for student entry into postsecondary STEM majors and a wide variety of STEM-related occupations. Given the foundational nature of elementary and secondary STEM education, it is critical to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected student learning. The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented disruptions in K–12 education beginning in March 2020 and continuing through the 2021–22 school year. The abrupt switch to remote instruction for the majority of schools and students during this time substantially altered education and led to declines in student learning for almost all students. National mathematics assessment data released in 2022 by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) show sharp declines in student mathematics performance compared with pre-pandemic scores, with average scores lower than those in all previous assessment years going back to 2005 for fourth graders and going back to 2003 for eighth graders.”

In the 2024 – 25 program year, Kentucky 4-H SET programs have reached almost 44,000 Youth and over 2,000 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 tenth year (2024 -25), this Board was made up of 10 youth and 3 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 three workshops related to Drones, Motion and Physics, and Leadership Development to over 150 of their peers, 4-H Professionals, and volunteers.  

Additionally, alumni of the SET Leadership Board have gone on to educational and career opportunities in various STEM-related fields and endeavors. Many have credited their time on the SET Leadership Board with better preparing them for the rigors of post-secondary education and beyond.