With a shortage of people to fill high demand, high skilled technology & related fields, Kentucky 4-H is uniquely positioned to provide opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in 4-H clubs and educational programming.to youth in the areas of Science Engineering and Technology (SET).  

Nelson County 4-H has supported SET educational programming by partnering with local schools, providing training opportunities for youth and adult volunteers, seeking grant funding and utilizing program support and 4-H council funding.  Delivery methods, School Enrichment, Robotics and Electricity day camps and clubs, Summer Camp Classes in Pro-Bots and Lego Challenge. Since 2010, over 7,000 Nelson County Youth have participated in 4-H SET programming.

During October, 2019, Nelson County 4-H partnered with 19 local classrooms to host the 2019 National Youth Science Day (NYSD) challenge, Game Changers. As described by4.H.org, "Designed by Google and West Virginia Extension service, Game Changers teaches kids ages 8-14 how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about. Game Changers uses physical activity and puzzles to teach kids important CS concepts and problem-solving skills, creating real-world connections between computer science and civic engagement, healthy living and agriculture."

Over 475 fourth and fifth graders took part in a NYSD day at their school.  The schools provided the space for the day and help support ongoing 4-H involvement from their students.    Four rotation sessions were led by 4-H staff and volunteers (youth and adults).  Two of the youth volunteers are members of the KY 4-H science Engineering and Technology Board and part of a Google CS Pathways program.  This is their second and fourth year of volunteering to assist in teaching the 4-H NYSD program.  In their first years, they assisted the local 4-HYD Agent in facilitating the activities. The next year, they co-taught with the 4-HYD Agent.  This program year, they were able to independently teach the lessons to full classrooms, with a teacher present to observe.

One Nelson County 4-Her has found his career path through 4-H SET programs.  Beginning as a young 4-Her he explored many clubs but found a passion for robotics.  Working with his mom, they created a 4-H Robotics club in Nelson County.  He has been a member of the club, served multiple year on the Kentucky 4-H SET Leadership Board, educated over 1,500 youth through the 4-H National Youth Science Day experiments, and served as a mentor to many younger 4-Hers.  Through his participation in the SET Board, he has attended and presented at National Conferences such as the Makers Summit, participated in national contests and even worked with mentors from Google.  During his senior year, this 4-Her was selected into a prestigious Greater Knox Coding Academy.  The intent of the Academy is for defense contractors to have a pool of IT certified applicants to support missions at Fort Knox.  At completion of the program, he will have received the coding certifications needed to potentially obtain a $60,000 a year job right out of high school.