ADVANCING 4-H YOUTH CAREERS IN FOOD AND AGRICULTURE VIA BIOTECHNOLOGY AND STEM

Our goalsare:Develop 4-H clubs that expose students to biotechnology and provide opportunities to enhance their understanding and knowledge, with a focus on gene editing. (Extension)Engage 4-H participants in developing biotechnology games that convey fun and science-based information and build public confidence in the safe use of biotechnology in agriculture and the food system and provide education on related career opportunities. Games will be available to parents, adults, and other audiences. (Extension)Support teen 4-H members in the development of outreach materials that communicate to their peers and adult audiences how agricultural biotechnology benefits producers, consumers, and the environment. (Education)Raise awareness of, and interest in, biotechnology career opportunities within food production and agriculture and promote acquisition of STEM workforce readiness skills. (Education)Our objectives are:1. 4-H club model focuses on biotechnology, as well as food and agricultural career experiences, where youth gain knowledge in STEM and biotechnologies (Goal1).2. Sustained 4-H Positive Youth Development program model for clubs in biotechnology and gene editing in agriculture and food science (Goal1).3. Engagement of mentors, industry and non-profit organizations in the delivery of the 4-H programs (Goals 1 and 2).4. Workforce ready teens with access and interest in innovative agricultural biotechnology and understanding of food and agricultural careers (Goals 1-3).5. Increased access for underrepresented youth in the areas of innovative agricultural biotechnologies, as well as food and agricultural careers (Goals 1-4).6. Development of youth-generated outreach materials for consumers, including adult audiences, on the benefits and safety of agricultural biotechnologies (Goals 2 & 3).7. 4-H members present lessons and informational sessions at UConn 4-H STEM Day (a statewide 4-H program), 4-H club events, and community events (Goal3).8. Long-term interests in food and agricultural biotechnologies and agricultural careers amongst program participants (Goal4).