Outcomes from 4-H science, engineering, and technology

The 4-H Science, Engineering and Technology Initiative 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. In California, the 4-H SET initiative will engage 150,000 new youth.

Participating in nonformal science education will spark young people's interest in SET-related activities. Through participating in hands-on activities, youth will start to see themselves a scientists.

4-H Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Initiative - Youth Engagement, Attitudes, and Knowledge Study (Executive Summary 2010)

Expected Outcomes

Knowledge - 4-H youth learn ...

Increased awareness of science, engineering, and technology among youth
Improved science, engineering, and technology skills (process & methods) and knowledge (content areas) among youth
Increased awareness of opportunities to contribute to society using science, engineering, and technology skills
Increased life skills (self-efficacy) among youth

Actions - 4-H youth change their behavior upon what they've learned ...

Youth apply science, engineering, and technology learning to contexts outside 4-H activities
Youth adopt and use new methods or improved technology
Youth demonstrate use of life skills
Youth express interest/demonstrate aspirations towards science, engineering, and technology careers
Youth raise questions and identify problems to be addressed using science, engineering, and technology

Societal Conditions - 4-H youth improve society due to actions taken ...

Increased number and more diverse pool of youth pursuing education and careers in science, engineering, and technology related fields
Increased and more diverse pool of trained teachers, educators, scientists
Increased science, engineering, and technology literacy in general population
Increased innovation addressing social problems using science, engineering, and technology