The 4-H STEM Ambassador program was launched this summer by the Massachusetts 4-H Youth Development Program. 4-H STEM Ambassadors are college students who are interested in facilitating hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities with youth ages 8-14. With the help of the 4-H STEM Ambassadors, participants become more familiar and comfortable with science concepts as well as improve their skills and abilities.
4-H STEM Ambassadors are trained in a variety of topics prior to working with young people. Training includes learning about the 4-H program, techniques for presenting activities to large groups, group management, keeping youth safe, and facilitating inquiry-based STEM activities. Two of the ambassadors are UMass Amherst students studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. A third ambassador is a 4-H alum studying Agricultural Business at the State University of New York at Cobeskill. Their enthusiasm for science was contagious with the approximately 100 program participants located in Leominster and Worcester.