According to the U. S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are growing at 17%, while other occupations are growing at 9.8%. STEM degree holders have a higher income even in non-STEM careers. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics workers play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy, and are a critical component to helping the U.S. win the future. STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators.  Most importantly, veterinary occupations are expected to add 51,700 new jobs and grow at a rate of 19 percent over the 2016 to 2026 decade, almost 3 times faster than the 7-percent average projected for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019).  In an ever-changing, increasingly complex world, it is more important than ever that our nation's youth are prepared to bring knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions.  

To address this need, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) collaborated with the Kentucky State University 4-H Youth Development Program to deliver the AgDiscovery Program.   This two-week, residential program is designed to introduce animal science and veterinary medicine through structured educational activities.   The AgDiscovery program is committed to preparing our nation's youth, especially those underrepresented in STEM fields, to participate in the rapidly changing STEM workforce of the future.   AgDiscovery activities and projects explore innovative approaches in increasing student’s awareness of Animal Science and motivating them to pursue Veterinary Medicine courses of study, while also identifying the most promising models, tools, and strategies.

This year, 18 middle and high school students from 14 different states participated in hands-on experiences through lab and research projects, workshops, and site visits, including animal dissections and autopsies.  AgDiscovery participants participated in a variety of character- and team-building activities, which require the use of math, science and technology.  Recreational activities are integrated into the program to promote physical health and wellness, and to enhance interpersonal skills among the students.

As a result 85% of the participants  increased their awareness of Veterinary Medicine and related careers; 80% were motivated to pursue the education necessary to participate in those careers; and 100% of the participants were provided with technology-rich experiences that develop their knowledge of related content and skills (including critical thinking skills) needed for entering the STEM workforce.  Having activities that show real-life implication of STEM can pull together the ideas presented in school and help to show how they benefit our society and even our world as a whole. Participants can see that what they learned during the two-week camp is pertinent to their future and the future of the whole world, creating an interest often lacking when learning new concepts that do not seem to carry real-world application.