1. Wisconsin 4-H STEM:
Evolving To Meet the Needs of
Today’s Youth
Joanna M. Skluzacek
4-H STEM Specialist
20 October 2010

2. Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math (STEM)
• STEM encompasses skills youth need no
matter what their interests or career path
• Programs to change the perception of
sciences being “difficult, impractical”
• It does not have to be a separate entity or
set of activities in 4-H, but can be
emphasized in existing programs

3. STEM as a National Mission Mandate
• America faces a future of intense global competition with
a startling shortage of scientists
▫ 18 percent of U.S. high school seniors are proficient in
science (NAEP 2005)
▫ 5 percent of current U.S. college graduates earn
science, engineering, or technology degrees compared
to 66 percent in Japan and 59 percent in China
• Goal of engaging one million new young people in
science programs by 2013

4. STEM in the Economy
• Between 2006 and 2016, STEM jobs will
account for one out of five new jobs in
Wisconsin (WI Dept. of Workforce Dev.,
2008)
How are
these
two
photos
related?
FDA to consider approval of genetically
engineered salmon
This year's 'big steer' was a
clone

5. STEM 4-H Programs
• Environmental Science and Energy
• Engineering and Technology
• Plant and Animal Science
• 4-H Robotics

6. STEM is About Discovery
• As a “new” team, we are continuing to discover
how we can integrate STEM into existing
programs and properly implement new
programs
• Our biggest needs:
▫ Build capacity within our organization
▫ Partner with experts in various fields
▫ We have the youth; we need the adults!
▫ Help adults feel comfortable
discovering STEM with the youth

7. If you have questions about STEM
• Contact Joanna at
▫ joanna.skluzacek@ces.uwex.edu
▫ 608-265-2949
▫ Visit our 4-H STEM website:
▫ http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/set/index.cfm