For Immediate Release
Contact: Carol Ehlers
NW 4-H Youth Development Field Specialist
Sac County Extension
September 21, 2006
NW Iowa Youth Technology Team in Beginning Stage
Students, grades 8-11, from across Northwest Iowa are applying for the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge technology and a leadership role in taking technology back to their communities through a “new” ISU Extension Area 4-H Technology Team.
"We know the importance of science and technology is growing," says Carol Ehlers, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, with Iowa State University Extension. "So we are going to help equip participating youth with the skills they need to enter the 21st-century workplace."
Northwest Iowa Youth grades 8-11 are encouraged to apply until November 15, 2006 for the opportunity to serve on an area youth technology team. Those selected will participate in hands-on learning workshops incorporating certain technology skills that may range from remote sensors, to digital photography to, food engineering, or robotics and engineering. Ehlers says, “Once the group has been formed, the exact direction will be determined based on the group’s interests.” “These youth will also share what they are learning through local events in their home communities.” She says.
Adult mentors will also be selected to work with the 4-H Tech Team members to learn life skills related to technology and science, discuss ethical issues, identify career opportunities and explore applications in daily life.
The Northwest Iowa initiative is under leadership of two trained volunteers Schaller-Crestland High School Educator, Mary Lou Meyers and Sac County 4-H’er Andrew Niehaus. They attend the 2006 National 4-H Technology Leadership Conference, July 24-27 at the University of Nebraska, at Lincoln funded by a grant from Rockwell-Collins. Niehaus explains the kind of learning he hopes to share with the NW Iowa 4-H Teach Team.
"My focus was Lego® Mindstorms®/robotics," says Niehaus, a student from Schaller-Crestland. "I learned how to program, build, and get started with robotics and engineering, which are interests of mine. I hope to use what I learned to do some volunteer work as I work with the NW 4-H Tech Team." Niehaus will work with the ISU Extension team to complete a grant to Rockwell-Collins to purchase needed technology tools for the hands-on learning program.
The NW Iowa 4-H Technology Team is a “NEW” group of teens and their advisors whose mission is to experience and share educational technology opportunities to NW Iowa 4-H youth at county and area levels. Two youth and potentially one adult will be selected per Northwest Iowa County to be a part of the NW Tech Team. Other applicants will be reviewed and selected to join local or county efforts that result from having an Area 4-H Technology Team. Youth and adults living in the following Northwest Iowa Counties are eligible to apply: Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Monona, Palo Alto, O’Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, and Woodbury
To find out more and secure a youth or adult application contact the ISU Extension _________ County Office at:
Or secure the application on line at: http://www.extension.iastate
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