4-H Delivers

4-H SET (Science, Engineering, and Technology) Career Day-Get SET For Your Future!

The Issue: The United States is facing a critical shortage of scientists and engineers.   Students are needed to enter the fields of science, engineering and technology to fill the gap as well as making technological advancements to help meet future challenges.  The goal of the SET(Science, Engineering, and Technology) career day, Get SET For Your Future, was to further the objectives of the 4-H SET initiative: to produce one million new scientists in the United States.

What 4-H has Done?: To inspire students to enter SET-related fields, Alameda County 4-H invited a wide spectrum of scientists to give talks, demonstrations, and answer questions about their respective fields.  Speakers represented a wide variety of disciplines—astronomy and astrophysics, aviation, computer science, emergency medicine, environmental science, forensics, meteorology, paleontology, physics, seismology, structural engineering, and zoology. There were exhibits in the fields of special effects, meteorology, solar energy, and computerized house design.  Additional demonstrations were done by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's Fun With Science program, the Sulphur Creek Nature Center, and Surfin’ the Solar Wind (solar science activities developed by teens for teens).  In addition, a job interview contest was held for both 4-H and non-4-H members to teach them and allow them to practice writing a resume and interviewing for a job.

The Payoff: The event was attended by both 4-H members and local elementary, middle school, and high school students. Attendees were able to meet experts, learn about their professions and get the tools that would allow them to follow their interests and be prepared for the future. Youth were exposed to a wide range of possible careers in the scientific field. 4-H members exhibiting their work educated others in areas of engineering, veterinary science, and horticulture. Local students learned about the 4-H program and the activities that it offers.