CO-WY Engine and the University of Wyoming Extension partner to provide robotics programs to 4-H students.
Fort Collins, Colo. – The NSF Engines: Colorado- Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine and the University of Wyoming Extension 4-H programs have partnered to bolster robotics programming across Wyoming. 4-H, which operates through the University of Wyoming Extension, is a strong partner for outreach as it has programs in each of the state’s 23 counties, as well as the Wind River Indian Reservation.
“Introducing a 4-H robotics program to Wyoming has the potential to significantly impact our youth by sparking their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) projects while offering hands-on learning experiences,” says Wyoming 4-H Program Leader Samantha Krieger. “This initiative will not only encourage creativity and critical thinking but also open doors for career exploration in cutting-edge fields like engineering, programming, and technology. Beyond their time in 4-H, youth will gain valuable skills and insights that can help onramp them into advanced technical training, shape their future careers, and contribute to a thriving workforce in Wyoming.”
The initial year of the two-year project will provide the 4-H extension programs in Lincoln County and Weston County with state-of-the-art robotics equipment with coding capabilities. Participants will have access to an age-appropriate curriculum and all the materials necessary to complete a project-based robotics education. Funding will also be used to hire college students as summer interns/student workers to help develop the robotics program, organize and teach at summer camps, and support 4-H educators in launching the robotics program in their county. Two additional county programs will be added in the second year and, if initial results indicate success, the program will be expanded further.
Brian Johnston, Director of Workforce Development at the CO-WY Engine, noted that “The CO-WY Engine embraces a “K through grey” approach to workforce development, and engaging our youth in STEM is critical to the long-term success of our mission. A critical element to building pathways in community resilience is engaging the workforce of the future.”
Participating students will be eligible for a select number of scholarships to help them purchase their own robots/drones and attend Showcase Showdown, the premier state 4-H contest and national qualifier for many project areas.
About the University of Wyoming Extension:
The University of Wyoming Extension serves Wyoming communities by helping residents apply university research and resources to practical problems. Since 1914, UW Extension has provided educational programs and tools to the state’s 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. From 4-H programming and pesticide safety education to food preservation and nutrition courses, Extension upholds the university’s land-grant mission by offering learning opportunities for people of all ages. UW Extension staff help Wyoming residents boost agricultural production, care for lawns and gardens, cultivate future leaders, support individual and community well-being, and develop thriving businesses. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe or call (307) 766-5124.
About the Wyoming 4-H Program
Wyoming 4-H empowers youth with lifelong leadership skills through experiential learning, mentorship and meaningful community engagement. Organized by the University of Wyoming Extension, this positive youth development program connects young people with a network of educators and volunteers who help them learn, grow and thrive. Wyoming 4-H members build life skills through project-based learning in the areas of animal science, natural resources, science and technology, healthy living, expressive arts, and leadership and civic engagement. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/4-h or contact a local extension office.
About CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine:
Led by Innosphere Ventures and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program, the CO-WY Engine is a collaborative initiative focused on driving innovation for community resilience across the Colorado-Wyoming region. The CO-WY Engine brings together a diverse network of partners to develop and commercialize technologies that address critical environmental challenges, foster economic growth and enhance community well-being.
Visit www.co-wyengine.org for more information.
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