Many people see 4-H as a traditional program focusing on agriculture only. To help combat this, the Rowan County 4-H program found ways to expand their program efforts. The Rowan County Extension District Board and 4-H received a grant from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation/National 4-H Council to expose youth to the technology revolution that impacts their lives.

Rowan County currently has been on the grant for three years totaling a little over $27,000. Throughout the grant years, the Cooperative Extension Service program has been able to introduce a number of kids to Science, Engineering and Technology activities. The youth were reached during school clubs, afterschool and day camps. Over the three years, it has taught youth the basic concepts of programming robots, Legos, program designing, electricity, rocketry, drones, mapping and coding. 

With America’s low ranking in Science, Engineering and Technology compared to other countries, robotics programming offers an opportunity to increase youth’s focus on an area that is not readily engaged in rural communities. Through these grant funds, Rowan County 4-H has been able to offer new and exciting program efforts to youth that wouldn’t have been possible without this funding. Through survey and verbal communication with parents and youth, the youth gained confidence in their ability to make an impact in technology. Their confidence was demonstrated as the youth displayed their abilities during the different challenges and activities.