The National 4-H Headquarters has identified three focus areas called mission mandates. They are science, engineering and technology (SET); healthy living; and citizenship. Oakland County 4-H is working hard to make SET a big part of future programming.

Today, 4-H out-of-school opportunities exist in subjects such as bio-fuels, rocketry, robotics, renewable energy and computer science. 4-H SET programming has the potential to improve science literacy among youth and introduce them to many unique career opportunities in high-paying jobs that are in wide demand.

Oakland County 4-H Youth Development held an exploratory meeting on July 9, 2009, to review several current resources available within the 908 square miles of the county. Part of the meeting was devoted to addressing the needs of young people with regard to SET programs.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of developing a few project areas around which new clubs could be centered in the next six months. They include robotics, wind energy, video production and filming, engineering and environmental science. Hands-on projects might include:

• Designing and building a robot
• Creating a digital video about 4-H or a project that interests youth
• Experimenting with alternative energy sources
• Designing 3-D virtual models

Whatever new projects are developed, Oakland County 4-H’ers will be “set” for loads of fun while learning!