Recent research reports that there is a lack of African American Males participating in STEM related programs and activities.

Kentucky State University Extension mission is to reach underserved audiences and increase youth participation through STEM Programming. The 4-H program partnered with W.E. B Dubois Academy for Boys to offer a Virtual CSI program to it students. Ms. Paula Cathey a school counselor contact Louis Milligan, 4-H Agent in Jefferson County about the possibility of 4-H offering summer programming to her students. A meeting was held to discuss program goals and processes. A date and time was set to begin Virtual CSI!!

14 African Boys participated in the CSI Program. Various topics were discussed during the 6 week program including: Structure and function of DNA, DNA profile, toxicology, fingerprinting, hair comparison and analysis, digital forensics and DNA extraction from a strawberry and student cheek cells.

At the conclusion of the program a Qualtrics survey was provided to participants to evaluate program. 100% reported that they learned something new as a result of the program, 11 of the 14 students responded that they would like to learn more about CSI and would most likely to join another virtual 4-H Program in the future.

The Partnership with Dubois Academy will continue thought the 2020-2021 school year. Plans are being made to offer CSI and other virtual programs to the Students as KSU and JCPS navigate COVID 19.