| Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) |
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America’s Workforce Crisis
The United States is falling dangerously behind other nations in developing its future workforce of scientists, engineers, and technology experts. America now faces a future of intense global competition with a startling shortage of scientists. Only 18 percent of US high school seniors are proficient in science (NAEP 2005). A mere 5 percent of current US college graduates earn science, engineering, or technology degrees compared to 66 percent in Japan and 59 percent in China. Couple these statistics with the fact that current scientists and engineers are retiring in record numbers, and it becomes clear that America faces a crisis in its ability to keep up with increasing demand for professionals trained in these fields.
To ensure global competitiveness, we must act now to prepare the next generation of science, engineering, and technology leaders.
One Million New Scientists. One Million New Ideas.™
The 4-H Youth Development Program is directly connected to the research and resources of the 106 landgrant universities and colleges of the Cooperative Extension System. This connection strategically positions 4-H to strengthen US global competitiveness and leadership.
For more than a century, 4-H has engaged our country’s youth in the building blocks of economic success. This has meant a solid focus on agricultural science, electricity, mechanics, entrepreneurship, and natural sciences. Today, 4-H out-of-school opportunities also exist in subjects like rocketry, robotics, bio-fuels, renewable energy, and computer science. 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology programs reach more than 5 million youth with hands-on learning experiences to encourage young minds and to fill the pipeline of young leaders proficient in science. These experiences are supported by more than a half million dedicated adult volunteers who are placing 4-H youth on a path towards successful careers.
The 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Program must be part of the long-term solution for improving science literacy and aptitude of America’s youth. 4-H will address our nation’s critical challenge by preparing 1 million new young people to excel in science, engineering, and technology by 2013. As a public-private partnership, 4-H can focus a variety of resources and expertise to strengthen young people’s discovery and exploration of science. We believe fostering passion in science today will shape education and career decisions tomorrow.
Support 4-H and help maintain America’s leadership in science, engineering, and technology innovation. Together, we can build the next generation of great thinkers.
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The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) is the organized body of rocket hobbyists. Chartered NAR sections conduct launches, connect modelers and support all forms of sport rocketry. NAR was founded in 1957 to help young people learn about science and math through building and safely launching their own models.
The NAR is a nationwide network of local clubs with experienced rocketeers available to provide advice and launch sites for your flights. They welcome beginners and students who want to enjoy rocketry and learn to fly rockets safely. Many adult NAR members are "mentors" and assist individuals or schools in their local area.
The purpose of the partnership is to develop an ongoing exchange between the organizations that will help students learn about model rocketry and other aerospace topics. National 4-H Council would like to help you form new rocketry clubs! Through our partnership with NAR, we’d like to send you a free NAR Member Guidebook and CD-ROM. Please send a message with your name, email, AND mailing address to GetSETInfo@fourhcouncil.edu.
Connect with a NAR Mentor in Your Community!
View the current list of NAR mentors or to find a NAR section near you,
visit www.nar.org/NARseclist.php.
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4-H has long been committed to developing high values, character and knowledge in America’s youth. The content-rich 4-H Ag Science program will be delivered through Project Pathways, a cutting edge, research-based learning system for youth 9-19, that will be available online and in CD sets for leaders and learners. There will be multiple opportunities for kids to learn and share their discoveries and exchange ideas via social networks. Curriculum path on plants, animals and biotechnology will help youth discover the diverse kinds of science, engineering and technology involved from more than a thousand dynamic learning activities, both hands-on and simulated.
If you would like to learn more about sponsorships of this program, please contact:
Roger Olson
Vice President, Rural and Agribusiness Development
rolson@fourhcouncil.edu |
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| 4-H National Youth Science Day |
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2010 National Science Experiment: 4-H2O!
 Join us on October 6th for the third annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, where youth across the nation examine one of the most important issues facing our nation today—water quality. These young scientists will discover and explore the powerful effects of carbon dioxide on our natural water sources in 4-H2O, the 2010 National Science Experiment.
Developed in conjunction with North Carolina Cooperative Extension and North Carolina A&T State University, the experiment is designed to spark an early youth interest in science—all part of 4-H's bold goal to engage a million new young people in science, engineering, technology and applied math programs by 2013.
You can find everything you need to participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day online at www.4-H.org/NYSD. The site provides all the tools you will need to begin a comprehensive scientific exploration and plan an exciting science event in your community.
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