The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation and West Virginia University Extension Service are taking science to the streets this summer, giving youths in six West Virginia counties the opportunity to have fun, learn and begin thinking about life after high school.

A $94,000 donation from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation helps to fund the WVU Extension Service STEM Ambassador program, where a student majoring in a science-related field helps youths learn experientially through kid-friendly activities.

“The STEM Ambassador program was started to excite youths about the practicality of science and math concepts,” said Jen Robertson-Honecker, WVU Extension Service STEM specialist. “But, the greater benefit is that they learn those concepts from someone who is closer to them in age, a positive role model and can excite them about pursuing higher education.”

Youths participate in experiential learning activities and learn the science behind making ice cream, engineering robots from Legos, using chemistry to craft the perfect bubble and more.

Robertson-Honecker added that this program is unique in that it actively brings science to youths in the community and is able to be adapted for a variety of age groups and audience sizes.

“We’re not just limited to 4-H camps or University events — we setup at the community pool teaching about states of matter, we’re at libraries teaching chemistry and afterschool programs teaching mechanical engineering concepts,” she explained. “We’re portable, adaptable and eager to bring science and our message to the community.”

All six of the WVU Extension Service offices in Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln and Putnam counties are working with local organizations such as libraries, summer youth programs, schools and community centers to collaborate and coordinate in order to serve the program to as many youths as possible.

The model is a natural fit with WVU Extension and focuses on The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation’s emphasis on collaborations that have a significant impact on the wealth and level of enrichment in the communities they serve.

“The WVU Extension Service thrives on strategic partnerships such as this because it gives us greater reach to a broader audience,” added Robertson-Honecker. “These vital, science-based lessons are beneficial for youths all over the Kanawha Valley. This donation helps us to ensure that more children are well-versed in emerging science trends than ever before.”

In addition to increased programming, the donation also ensures scholarships for some youths to attend regional and state level STEM events, including one on WVU’s main campus near the end of July.

The STEM Ambassador program isn’t limited to those counties, though: Ambassadors are working statewide to educate youths — both in science and the importance of higher education.

To date, the donation was the largest individual gift that The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation has made to WVU.

The grant was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $1 billion private fundraising effort being conducted by the WVU Foundation runs through December 2017.

To learn more about the program or other 4-H youth development programming in your area, contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

zl/04/07/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.