Nebraska Extension is committed to creating valuable learning opportunities for the young people in our state through the 4-H Youth Development program. By working in partnership with other youth-focused, like-minded entities, Nebraska 4-H is able to expand resources, share expertise, and reach more youth in the state and across the country with opportunities that ensure young people are beyond ready for whatever comes next. In a 1011 News Interview on January 9th it was discussed that Nebraska 4-H is currently partnering with National 4-H Council and Google on a project called “Engaging Nebraska Youth and Educators in Artificial Intelligence.” This project, funded by Google focuses upon engaging 15,000 youth and 5,000 adults in experiences related to AI technology. Through this partnership, a repository of resources and curriculum is being developed by Nebraska and partnering states to support people in integrating AI in meaningful ways that are easy and fun. AI training for Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development professionals is being offered. “A Day of AI” is also being planned for this spring and will engage youth in various AI activities.
On January 23rd, in a 1011 News Interview it was discussed that Nebraska 4-H is also currently partnering with Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s statewide afterschool network, to bring a series of high-quality professional development workshops to staff in afterschool programs across the state. The workshops feature hands-on STEM experiences that staff can take back to the children in their program and are designed to build confidence and skills in STEM teaching. Most programs cannot afford to provide these opportunities on their own. Workshops have been held in Bancroft, Scottsbluff, Crete, and Schuyler.
As a parter of National 4-H Council, Nebraska has become one of the leaders in developing online learning experiences in 4-H, with 54 activities authored in partnership with UNL, which was the main topic of discussion in a 1011 News interview on January 30th. Nebraska also provides support to 19 Land Grant Universities that are a part of the Health Rocks! Grant. Ninety-two percent of youth in this program said that they intend to pursue healthier behaviors and plan to avoid risky behaviors. To learn more about partnerships that further the work of 4-H Youth Development in Nebraska, go to 4h.unl.edu.
