As science and technology fields grow in Kentucky, there is a shortage of people to fill these careers. There is a growing need for knowledgeable scientists to identify problems, find solutions, and educate others. Additionally, women are under-represented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related fields and Marra et al. (2008) found that a gender bias develops during Middle School, leading to disproportionate interest in STEM. In 2013, local Middle School science teachers reached out to the Extension Office to address these concerns, primarily developing the knowledge, skills, confidence, and behaviors of youth towards STEM while closing the existing gender gap. A collaboration between the Extension Office and local science teachers developed into The Mystery of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach STEM program that has continued for 8 years and reached over 2000 youth in Breckinridge County. At the start of the program, the Extension Office established a hissing cockroach colony in every Middle School science classroom. The 4-H agent and science teachers led the youth in hands-on science labs with the cockroaches, reinforcing science content such as the scientific method, insect anatomy, adaptation, populations, genetics, fossil records, nutrient cycling, kinetic and potential energy, and the science of sound. In 2020-2021, the program for 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students (600 youth) was adapted into a hybrid model (virtual and in-person) due to COVID-19. The Breckinridge County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Education recorded virtual lessons on the Breckinridge Co. 4-H YouTube Channel for youth to follow along with either 1) teacher demonstrations with the supplies in the provided lab kits or 2) individual youth lab kit supplies if covid restrictions allowed. 

Following the 2020-2021 program, youth completed the 4-H STEM Common Measures survey. Results indicated 82% of youth have an interest in science, engineering, and technology (SET), 84% felt more confident, 95% improved their science, technology, and math skills, 83% could identify SET related careers, and 58% plan to purse a SET related career in the future. This successful program has sparked an interest in science and enhanced participants knowledge, skills, and future aspirations. Interacting with a small organism like an insect has made a large impact on youth in Breckinridge County.