Marin County 4-H is one of several California county participants in a National 4-H Council initiative for Science, Engineering and Technology (SET). This initiative was developed in response to the nation’s concern for increasing the human capacity and workforce abilities in these subject areas. SET includes literacy and engagement components of improving knowledge and skills, addressing issues, including community service, and collaborating with other agencies. 4-H provides a context for SET which combines a nonformal educational setting with these components.
The Marin County SET Plan encompasses all of these components in a two-year project with an environmental science focus. In addition to newly created projects, there are also enhancements of current ongoing project groups, all framed around experiential and inquiry-based learning. Activity kits will be developed for multiple 4-H deliveries: community clubs, special interest project groups, schools, after-school, and camps. Themes include: energy sources, ecosystems, geology, ornithology, embryology, wildlife, and working landscapes.
Currently recruited collaborators for joint projects include: 4-H community clubs and school groups, Conservation Corps North Bay (CCNB) for the 4-H Naturalist Leaders Project, Peer Summit, and Marin County Fair Fun Fest. The development of both adult and teen volunteers is a significant component of the program. A steering committee provides direction and guidance, and makes recommendations.
The goals of the Marin County SET Plan includes:
- 400-800 youth participants
- Documentation of increased literacy and improved attitudes
- Leaders with increased youth development and subject matter knowledge and skills
- Information to help identify and develop potential future models.
More information about SET at the state and national levels is available at:
