Utah 4-H nationally highlighted as career preparation program

Jessica Ivie teaching in an after school program at Bryant Middle School

LOGAN — Members of the Utah State University Extension 4-H program recently participated in the National 4-H Partner Summit in order to showcase the work Utah 4-H is doing in computer science and technology development.

Jessica Ivie, Utah 4-H state ambassador and a senior at Copper Hills High School, and Dave Francis, USU Extension 4-H youth development specialist, spoke on a panel to several stakeholders about their involvement in science, technology and engineering. Ivie developed a kit and curriculum to teach engineering and programming skills to youth. She has distributed over 2,000 of these kits and has enabled wider disbursement with investors from all over the world.

“I’ve really enjoyed teaching about electronics and technology because it’s something I’m passionate about,” Ivie said. “And I get to see others become passionate about it, too.”

According to Francis, emphasizing science and technology is important for the future of innovation.

“There is a nation-wide shortage of people to fill these science and technology jobs,” Francis said. “Jessica’s project is something that’s amazingly useful and can really make a difference.”

The summit also highlighted the ability of the USU Extension 4-H program to prepare youth for college and the future, which Ivie can personally attest to.

“Through 4-H, I’ve learned skills such as teaching others, public speaking and how to lead and organize a club,” she said. “I want to be an entrepreneur, so these are skills I’m definitely going to use in my future.”

Francis said that the 4-H program even helps youth decide on career paths.

“There are plenty of exploratory options,” he said. “Youth can go to camps or join clubs to see what interests them. Then they continue learning about those interests, That’s the great thing about 4-H. The youth can keep growing in any area they choose.”

For more information about the USU Extension 4-H program, visit http://www.utah4h.org/.

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