Fifteenth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge & Society

Abstract

Palm Beach County 4-H Youth Development Program, in partnership with the University of Florida and Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, supports research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation of underrepresented minorities from rural areas and youth with disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). These youth have been engaged through Palm Beach County 4-H after school clubs and have been partnered with caring, adult mentors including 4-H leaders as well as community partners, such as the Belle Glade Youth Empowerment Center, Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism and related Disabilities, and two rural public schools. These clubs focus on hands-on STEM programming and projects in the areas of robotics, engineering, food science and agricultural science. Having the opportunity to participate in hands-on, educational STEM activities year-round led by 4-H staff and University of Florida faculty enable these youth the unique opportunity to explore career opportunities, lead community service activities, interact with youth and adults outside of their neighborhoods, and have fun while developing critical life skills that will help them become productive and engaged citizens in their communities, their country, and their world. The goal is to empower, prepare, and encourage youth to pursue education and careers in STEM to meet future challenges across the world and increase technological advancement in all science arenas.