SET (Science, Engineering & Technology)

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 non-formal educational setting with these components. SET addresses the division's Healthy Youth, Families and Communities Initiative by increasing science literacy.

The Marin County SET program participates in National Youth Science Day (NYSD) every October. NYSD projects have an environmental focus and are framed around experiential and inquiry based learning. Marin County 4-H has made these experiments and activities available in clubs, schools, afterschool programs, camps and fairs.

The Sudden Oak Death Project has been delivered at the 2009 Marin County Peer Summit, 2010 Marin County Farm Day, 2010 Environmental Stewardship pilot training, and the Summer 2010 Junior Naturalist Summit. The development of both adult and teen volunteers is a significant component of the program. More information about SOD is available in this site at: http://cemarin.ucdavis.edu/Programs/4-H_Program/Sudden_Oak_Death/

The goals of the Marin County SET Plan include increasing youth participation, documenting increased literacy and improved attitudes, enhancing adult and youth leadership, and developing potential future models.

More information about SET at the state and national levels is available at: http://www.ca4h.org/Projects/SET/