NASHVILLE, IL, (Sept. 24, 2020) – As area 4-H clubs gear up for National 4-H Week with on-line festivities from October 5-9 (6:30-7:30 PM), University of Illinois Extension serving Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties looks to set the stage for STEM offerings well into the future.
“For more than 100 years, 4‑H has given youth a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better,” said Kyle Miles, Extension 4-H Youth Development Educator. “Kicking off another year of 4-H – especially during such a unique time – means we have an opportunity to take a fresh look at what youth want and need, and meet them where they are in terms of interest. Right now, that means offering STEM project opportunities, alongside the traditional projects.”
According to Miles, community involvement is a critical component to offering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) development opportunities to youth. “Bringing in local experts is a huge part of program success, but it doesn’t have to be a huge commitment,” said Miles. “From a one-time guest talk to leading a Club – which only has to meet six times a year – their technical expertise helps make the connection between careers and real-world problem solving.”
Miles considers any opportunity to identify a problem; propose a solution; try it; troubleshoot; make necessary changes; and take action again, as a STEM project opportunity. “We normally think of building something when it comes to STEM, but it’s a higher level of thinking – the start of the engineering design process, really – that we are taking youth through, when they work on STEM projects. It’s what parents want for their kids, and it’s what kids need for the future.”
Parents and students interested in learning more about 4-H in Bond, Jefferson, Clinton, Marion, and Washington counties are invited to attend “Zoom into 4-H,” a four-night series of online, open-house-style programming, designed to celebrate the achievements of current 4-H members and encourage new members to become involved. The event is free to attend, but registration is required in order to receive log-in details. Participants may attend any or all nights. To register or learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/bcjmwu23 and click on ‘Events.’ Anyone interested in volunteering for 4-H may contact Kyle Miles at kylem@illinois.edu to learn more.
“Zoom into 4-H” Schedule
Monday, October 5: 4-H Overview and a Cover Craft for kids, 6:30 PM
Tuesday, October 6: Explore Visual Arts & STEM projects, 6:30 PM
Wednesday, October 7: New 4-H Parent Orientation, 6:30 PM; Returning 4-H Parent Updates, 7 PM
Thursday, October 8: Explore Cooking and Agriculture projects, 6:30 PM
About University of Illinois Extension
Illinois Extension's programs are aimed at making life better, healthier, safer and more prosperous for individuals and their communities. While most Extension programs are offered on an information, non-credit basis, Illinois Extension does offer continuing education credits in some fields of study. Extension programs may be offered as hands-on workshop, field days, self-paced tutorials via the Internet, or in other formats that are suitable for the audience and subject matter.