Donate
Search Avatar
Avatar
CLOVER Logo
Start learning with CLOVER
Professional Resources
Menu
Clear
Search Icon

Think you have to live in a big city to have a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)? Think again. Rural areas are experiencing shortages of qualified STEM workers who can provide vital services to often under-resourced areas. Whether you want to work with computers, nature or animals, these are only a few of the STEM jobs that you can pursue in your own, wide-open backyard.

1. Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers have critical duties in manufacturing industries. They are responsible for designing, building, testing, and maintaining the machinery that is used to make any mass-produced products, from computer chips to cars and trucks, and many more. And since manufacturing plants are often located in rural communities, so are mechanical engineering jobs.

2. Agricultural Engineer: Have an interest in both engineering and agriculture? An agricultural engineer combines those two interests and skillsets to modernize traditional farming processes and make them more efficient. Both small farms and large farms need agricultural engineers, so this is a career that can be pivotal to both the health of farms and the local economies that are built around them.

3. Computer Systems Engineer: Computer systems are essential to virtually every industry, including the manufacturing plants, refineries, and other facilities that are often based in rural areas. Computer systems engineers maintain the software and hardware of those computer systems, so these are jobs that are needed in every part of the country.

4. Veterinarian: We often think of vets as the people who take care of our dogs and cats, which they do. However, in rural areas, they may also be trained to aid large farm animals. Plus, a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) opens up other career choices, such as researchers and teachers. And you can develop specialties in veterinary health in certain animal species, or clinical specialties like surgery or cardiology.

5. Physician: There is a well-documented shortage of physicians and healthcare workers in rural areas. Becoming a physician is an opportunity to be a vital asset to the community while pursuing a career that is both stable and relatively lucrative.

6. Fisheries Scientist: Rural communities are home to recreational and commercial fisheries, but they don’t run by themselves. Fisheries scientists use their acquired expertise in biology, ecology, statistics, administration, and local policy–among others–to help protect and enhance the sustainability of these critical resources.

7. Satellite Engineer: Satellites are one way people get access to the internet and television – especially in rural areas. Satellite Engineers design these spacecraft, which can be as small as a suitcase or as big as a school bus and must be able to survive in space for many years.

8. Solar Structural Engineer: Oil and gas continue to be the driving force in energy production in our country, but the clean energy economy is growing, and rural areas are increasingly home to large solar panel arrays. Solar structural engineers conduct structural analyses for commercial and utility-scale PV (photovoltaics) power projects, leading the way for the installation and maintenance of these critical structures.

9. Range Manager: Range managers oversee large tracts of land that are used for foraging, wildlife and grazing. They also help ranchers develop grazing practices so these areas are maximized in a sustainable manner.

10. Accountant: All of the small businesses that exist in rural communities – grocers, lawyers, small businesses – need to manage their finances. A rural accountant can work with multiple clients on their own flexible work schedule, offering a valuable service and being an integral part of the local business community.

11. Electrical Engineer: Similar to mechanical and computer systems engineers, electrical engineers create, maintain and upgrade electrical systems in large facilities, including manufacturing facilities and government buildings often found in rural communities.

12. Turf Scientist: Turf scientists use their STEM skills to maintain turf, as well as to operate computer-controlled irrigation equipment and highly technical machines. They typically work outdoors – or manage employees who do – to care for lawns, golf courses, parks, athletic fields, and large open areas on corporate campuses.

13. Marine Biologist: Marine biologists are people who study the animals that live in the sea. They use data and samples that they collect in the field, then evaluate in their labs to develop and test hypotheses about issues affecting these creatures. In a world of climate change and declining ocean health, they increasingly deal with problems of global importance.

You don’t have to leave your town to pursue a STEM-based career, because your passion and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math is needed right where you are. And there are ample opportunities for you to chase your passion to make a difference in your own community.

Visit CLOVER to find more exciting STEM content, including hands-on STEM activities supported by HughesNet that help get your child thinking about a career in science, technology, engineering, or math.

This week’s activities feature lessons in making water bottle rockets, bicycles and embryology. Visit the links to learn more about the activity and check back every Monday for new ideas and hands-on, educational resources for all young people

Water Bottle Rocket

Recommended age: Grades 3-12

Courtesy of New Mexico State University, New Mexico 4‑H

Get outside with this explosive Rocketry project! Learn how to make a rocket from a plastic bottle, pencils, tape, vinegar, and baking soda. Then watch the rocket shoot to the sky!

Ready, Set, Blast Off!

Bicycle ABC Quick Check

Recommended age: Grades 3-12

Courtesy of Purdue University, Indiana 4‑H

Run through these short steps before every ride to keep your bicycle running properly.

Get Ready to Ride!

Embryology 101

Recommended age: Grades 3-5

Courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska 4‑H

The Embryology 101 series includes four lessons complete with videos and worksheets allowing youth to explore the life cycle of an embryo and how life develops! Youth will observe the process of incubating and hatching chicks, identify parental traits that influence the appearance of the chicks, and recognize where eggs and chicken meat come from.

More Weekly Lessons:

Dog Training, Bees & Cloud Dough

Origami, Baking & Space

Solar Energy, Crafts & Yoga

Butterflies, Omelets & Journaling

Financial Literacy, Indoor Gardening & Engineering

 

April 24 is National Physics Day, so what better time to help your kids appreciate this fascinating branch of natural science? Physics is a scientific practice that seeks to understand the way the universe behaves by examining properties of matter and energy. So it’s a great way of explaining so many of the questions that your kids probably ask you.

These are just a few everyday wonders that physics explains:

  • When you pump your basketball tire, the pump gets hot
  • Rainbows appear along with rain
  • Balloons stick to walls after being rubbed on hair or clothing
  • When you fill a bottle with water, the sound changes as the water level gets higher
What’s So Great About It? Ask the Greats

Today, Gravity is an accepted scientific principle, but that wasn’t always the case. Sir Issac Newton, one of the most iconic figures in physics, described observing an apple falling from a tree, which eventually led him to formulate his law of Universal Gravitation in the 1680s. No slouch, he also developed Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, which were enormously groundbreaking in understanding the motion of objects.

The GPS in your phone or family car works thanks in part to Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, which shows that even though some factors are constant, space and time affect how different viewers see the same phenomena. A helpful demonstration of his discoveries can be seen in this animation.

The existence of X-rays owes a lot to the work of two-time Nobel Prize winner Marie Curie, who discovered radiation.

And physics is fun to imagine, too. Richard Feynman, another famous physicist of the 20th century, explains why in this video.

Do you know what else is inarguably fun? Lasers! In 2018, Professor Donna Strickland won the Nobel Prize in Physics for her work on high-intensity laser pulses, which helped pave the way for uses like Lasik eye surgery. “It was just a fun thing to do, and so I put many hours into it,” she said.

See it IRL

Here are some activities your kids can do at home to observe physics in action, starting with making a self-propelled car out of rubber bands and plastic bottles you already have in your house. Will the cars they build beat the Guinness World Record for going the farthest distance of any rubber band vehicle? Let’s find out!

Rubber Band Cars

Liquid Layers

Parachute Away

Since 2008, 4‑H has challenged young people across the country to solve issues in the community and around the world through STEM learning and exploration through 4‑H National Youth Science Day. This annual event introduced youth to various science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts with easy and fun STEM topics relatable to real-world issues.

National 4‑H Council consulted with 4‑H professionals, volunteers, 4‑H’ers, and partners on ways to improve the 4‑H NYSD experience. One of the most important things we heard is that it has evolved to explore topics beyond just science, and the challenge kits are used throughout the year in 4‑H clubs, classrooms, camps, and after school settings nationwide.

That’s why we’re excited to announce that 4‑H National Youth Science Day is now the 4‑H STEM Challenge. The new name reflects the spirit of the program, allows us to reach more kids, encourages easier event planning, and showcases the impact of STEM programs in communities year-round. The challenge—developed this year in collaboration with Google, and with support from our national partner Bayer—is still an annual initiative to inspire kids everywhere to take an interest in STEM topics through hands-on learning.

Here are some of your questions answered about the 4‑H STEM Challenge:

What is this year’s challenge theme?

Today, we announced the 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge is Mars Base Camp. In this challenge, designed by Google and Virginia Cooperative Extension, youth will learn about Mars missions and get to know the red planet. In the process, they will learn about various concepts from computer science to space agriculture.

When can I join the rest of the country in showcasing the STEM Challenge in my community?

Mark your calendars for 4‑H STEM Month in October! It will be the perfect time to showcase how you are participating in the 4‑H STEM Challenge and see how other groups across the country are celebrating. However, you can do the challenge anytime throughout the year and beyond.

Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about 4‑H STEM Month and ways to get involved.

How can I participate in this year’s 4‑H STEM Challenge?

Bring the challenge to kids in your community by purchasing the challenge kit. The kit will include everything you need to lead the challenge and all the necessary materials to participate. Kits will go on sale in July.

Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on kit sales and the Mars Base Camp activities.

Are there other ways to celebrate 4‑H STEM Month?
Along with doing the 2020 Mars Base Camp challenge, 4‑H offers additional activities to do during the month. Check out the 4‑H STEM Lab or past STEM Challenge projects.No matter when or how you choose to celebrate, you can share your experience on social media using #4HSTEMChallenge! You can learn more about the 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge by visiting 4‑H.org/STEMChallenge.
“A penny saved is a penny earned” – says pretty much nobody, anymore. And while you may not miss that clichéd saying, it’s a fact that, too often, children grow up without access to basic financial literacy education. Across the country, formal financial education in schools is scant to non-existent, which means it’s up to parents and other care givers to teach kids the all-important life skills of financial literacy.

4‑H is here to help. That’s why we’ve collaborated with the financial services firm TD Ameritrade to create a new series of research-backed financial literacy activities that make it easy and fun for parents to educate their kids on the value of financial literacy, the hidden costs of credit, and other essential money smarts.

These activities are geared toward children from grades 5 to 10 to ensure we’re reaching kids when they are old enough to understand money, but before they’ve likely started earning it and spending it for themselves. The goal? To give the next generation the tools they need to make smart financial decisions throughout their lives. Giving young people those tools will help ensure them develop a healthy relationship with money and finances rooted in practicality, and not in fear or impulse.

Check out the activities below to keep your kids engaged and learning.

  • Do I Really Need That?: You might want a new pair of headphones or sneakers, but do you truly need them? In this intuitive and fun exercise, kids learn the difference between wants and needs, and begin thinking about budgeting and prioritizing to get the things they need, and maybe some of the things they want, too.
  • Save Smart: Through hands-on internet-based research, kids learn the differences between community banks, national banks, online-only banks and member-based credit unions, and the pros and cons of each.
  • Charge It?: Credit cards are helpful in many ways, but if you don’t pay your bills in full each month, their cost adds up – fast. In this activity, kids pick something they really want, then figure out the true cost of buying it with a credit card.

These and other fun activities live within the 4‑H STEM Lab, our home for a wide variety of hands-on activities designed to instill curiosity and critical thinking, and to help kids develop critical skills to be prepared for life. They’re fun, easy to do, take less than an hour, and each comes with a level-of-messy rating, so you know what you’re in for.

Don’t worry: These financial literacy activities are no-mess. Fizzy Foam Fun, on the other hand, rates higher in the messy meter with its colorful foam fountain.

TD Ameritrade is committed to delivering financial education and helping people build confidence to make smarter, more disciplined financial decisions. Like us, they understand that learning about personal finance while building life skills like mindfulness, impulse control and goal setting can help set young people on a pathway to financial health. With access to the right tools and mentors, we can help young people establish healthy financial behaviors early on, helping them avoid common financial pitfalls and making them more likely to achieve financially healthy futures.

We’re proud to work with TD Ameritrade to help make that job easier – and more fun –by offering these valuable resources to all parents and educators.

Tell us what you think, and what you’d like to see more of, by reaching out to us on social media.

Please keep in mind TD Ameritrade® commentary is for educational purposes only. Member SIPC. All investing involves risks, including risk of loss.

 

Rural America is beautiful and is the heart of this country. I was born and raised in rural south-central Virginia in Charlotte County, and I love my community. It is my home. Unfortunately, there is a “Digital Divide” in our country that’s impacting opportunities in rural areas.

Businesses that have left rural communities that were dependent on them are suffering, and many rural communities have workforces that are not ready for the 21st-century workplace. As a result of the lack of sustainable jobs, the youth of these communities leave for better opportunities. It hurts the rural local economy by causing a ‘drain,’ and the loss of young people reduces new ideas and entrepreneurship, which further reducing local growth.

Many communities are impacted and must ask themselves, “How can we fix this?” The answer comes in the form of a 4‑H program. 4‑H Tech Changemakers is a teen-led program that empowers young people to change their community’s future using technology and digital skills.

The program introduces teens to opportunities that will help them build leadership skills, take action, present to local government officials, and develop a strong, positive reputation in their community. Teens participating in the program grow into responsible contributing citizens in an environment where they can make decisions and mistakes safely.

Through the 4‑H Tech Changemakers program in my county, we teach website development, social media marketing, and drone mapping to local farmers. We have met with the state governor, supported our local growers’ association, and even helped save the loss of over two acres of soybeans of a local farmer using a drone. I have spoken to over 200 4‑H professionals and youth about how important digital skills can be in helping rural economies thrive and keeping young people, like myself, contributing to the future of their town.

 

Can you help me with my computer?As teenagers, I and many others are all too familiar with this question. Often teenagers are asked to help adults with technology-based questions, such as, “How do I download my photos?” or “How can I get onto Facebook?” Although we try to help, our advice often leaves the adult confused or frustrated with their technology. To help solve that dilemma, I have created this list of five easy ways teens can help adults improve their digital skills. These are recommendations that have worked for me in our 4-H Tech Changemakers program.

Get them interested! Though often overlooked, keeping the adult’s interest is essential to teaching them how to improve their digital skills and overcome the tech issues they may face in the future. To spark their interest, you should explain the relevance of your lesson. If the adult is aware of how the information is relevant to them, then they will be more attentive and more patient throughout your teachings.

Build comprehension by relating the topic to what they are familiar with. When teaching adults to improve their digital skills, it’s helpful to use analogies that relate to the subject you are teaching and to something they already understand. A few examples include comparing a computer virus to a real virus, a web address to a street address, and an email to a real-life mailbox.

Take it slow. Many adults who are new to technology can find it to be very intimidating. As their digital guide, it is important to go slow through your lesson to ensure that you do not overwhelm the adult. Always remember to be patient, use understandable language, and allow them time to process the information, as well as to ask questions. It is important to remember that even one bad experience could be enough to turn the adult off to developing their digital skills. That is why it is essential to take their technology training slow.

cameron-helpingsenior


Inspire them to continue learning. Becoming proficient with the use of technology isn’t easy, and like anything else is going to take lots of practice. So, what’s a better way to have the adult practice than on a website or program of their choice! While some programs will be more beneficial than others for the adult, they all serve the purpose of getting them excited and asking questions about their technology. A few popular websites to spark their interest include Facebook (for the social butterfly), Pinterest (for the crafty type), and Amazon (to make shopping easy).

Refer them to helpful websites for their future questions. Although you have walked them through their current predicament, the adult will have nowhere to go (but you) for future questions. To encourage digital independence, leave them with a few helpful websites where they will be able to find more resources, and continue developing their digital skills. A couple of recommended sites include YouTube and Techboomers.com.

These resources will help eliminate confusion and frustration while you’re teaching adults to improve their digital skills. Also, you will help make learning about technology more exciting and interactive. Now, whenever an adult asks you, “Can you help me with my computer?”, you can confidently say Yes!

Andrew ‘Boz’ Bosworth grew up in California 4-H, where he raised sheep and pigs and learned to code when he was 10. Today, the skills he learned in 4-H and his passion for science and technology led him to join the Facebook team in 2006, where he developed the social network’s News Feed, Groups, and Messenger features.

Now, as the Vice President of Augmented and Virtual Reality and a father of two, the 4-H alum wants to inspire more kids to find a passion for STEM learning as he did when he was younger. That passion has also inspired him to invest $1 million in STEM access and education through 4-H, which he will use to match all gifts through the end of the year.

During the holiday season, you can learn more about Boz’s 4-H story and love of STEM.

 

Delta SKY


Flying Delta this holiday season? You can read Boz’s story in the December issue of the airline’s in-flight magazine, SKY.

 

NBC Learn


As a part of the NBC News Learn-produced “4-H Inspires Kids to Do” video series, he shares his passion for STEM education and is joined by son for their “Science Saturday” activity.

 

Forbes.com


Read an interview with Boz where he shares how 4-H influenced his career and his $1M investment to 4-H on Forbes.com.

I had a goal in my head to try to ignite a passion for science and learning about science to kids across the country, and 4-H felt like the place to do it. Certainly, that was my own experience coming up in the program.

 

This season of giving, join Boz in growing the next generation of leaders by donating to 4-H.
Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $1 million!

4-H youth across the country are using their skills, passions, and drive to make a remarkable impact in their communities. From the youngest 4-H’er to young alumni, they see great value in giving back and inspiring those around them to do the same.

Through a collaboration with NBC News Learn, 4-H is telling the story of five young women who are making a difference in their communities. These stories, sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Bechtel, and Bayer, highlight their work in critical areas from computer science to health equity and show how their experience in 4-H empowered them to share their voices and be leaders.

Meet Addy, Pearl, Aja, Dani Jo, and Mayyadah, and learn more about their story, featured in the new NBC News Learn series, 4-H Inspires Kids to Do.

Agriculture: Addy and Pearl

Michigan 4-H’ers Addy and Pearl used their leadership skills gained through 4-H to give back to their hometown of Cass City, MI, when it became a food desert. Through Michigan State University Extension, they created Meating the Need for Our Village, a program designed to fight hunger through agriculture. Overall, the program has made a $60,000 impact on the community by providing 2,500 gallons of milk, 10,000 pounds of meat, and 270 dozen eggs to families in need.

 

STEM: Aja

Illinois 4-H’er Aja’s passion was ignited through her frustration with the under-represented minority STEM gap. She started See Me in STEM, with a mission to provide exposure, access, and STEM opportunities to underrepresented youth. She partnered with her 4-H mentor through the University of Illinois Extension to launch her program and has since impacted 122+ youth through 15 events.

 

Health & Wellness: Dani Jo

Utah 4-H’er Dani Jo has a personal passion for educating youth and community members on opioid addiction and the impact it has on lives. She formed a youth coalition to spread the word about the dangers of opioids and resources people can turn to for help. Through community events and partnering with community leaders such as the Sheriff’s Department, the coalition is working to educate their peers and families on properly disposing of opioids and other medications and encouraging doctors and pharmacists to be mindful of the number of pills they are prescribing.

 

Equity & Inclusion: Mayyadah

Washington 4-H’er Mayyadah connected with youth with vastly different backgrounds and life experiences from her own through her 4-H experience. When she noticed the inequities her LGBTQ+ friends experienced, she worked with fellow 4-H’ers and adult leaders to launch the Washington State 4-H Teen Equity & Inclusion Task Force. In the last year and a half, Mayyadah and her fellow teens have provided education to local and state 4-H leaders and have worked to ensure that at state events, youth nametags have a place to designate which pronouns they use.

 

Donaldson Company, Inc. is excited to join 4-H as a national sponsor in celebrating the 12th annual 4‑H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) when it kicks off across the country in October 2019. 4-H NYSD is an interactive learning experience that gets youth excited about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and spotlights the many ways millions of youth are engaging in 4-H Science programs year-round.

This year’s challenge, Game Changers, was designed by Google and West Virginia Extension service. The challenge, which features an interactive coding kit, teaches kids ages 8-14 how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about.

As a partner of 4-H, The Donaldson Foundation also focuses on providing impactful NYSD programming to youth in communities where Donaldson employees live and work. Employees at 17 plant locations across the U.S. raised their hands to facilitate NYSD activities in their local communities.

Donaldson, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a global manufacturer of filtration solutions. For over 100 years, Donaldson has been continuously innovating to solve complex filtration challenges. Today, the company is one of the largest providers of unique filtration technologies and high-quality filters and parts.

Donaldsonfacility1-blog

 

The Donaldson Foundation, founded in 1966, funds charitable causes on behalf of Donaldson Company, Inc. The Foundation’s mission is to positively impact the communities in which Donaldson Company employees live and work by supporting education—with a spec focus on STEM education. Led by an employee volunteer board, the Donaldson Foundation grants upwards of $1.2 million each year to nonprofit organizations nationwide.

Donaldson is rooted in technology innovation and the encouragement of STEM learning; the company is proud to support 4-H’s National Youth Science Day challenge—which can give youth the inspiration to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the 2019 4-H NYSD event! Click here to order a kit for your club today. Visit our website for more information on the Donaldson Foundation.