Youths can train to become 4-H Science Ambassadors

From aerospace to wellness, 4-H Teen Science and Health Ambassadors have the opportunity to learn and lead hands-on educational lessons through 4-H.

Now in its sixth year, the local program continues to encourage youth to share their time and talents in their communities.

4-H Teen Science and Health Ambassadors are a group of middle- and high-school students who study different science, engineering and technology lessons that they then share with children and community members at workshops, science fairs, after-school programs and community events throughout the year.

To do this, these older youth receive focused training from 4-H staff and adult volunteers.

"They then pay it forward and volunteer to share these wonderful learning opportunities with others through supervised, organized activities," said Donna Nuger, 4-H Youth Development Educator.

"Through it, youth build knowledge in the many STEM-related areas, while developing skills in public speaking, leadership, communication, and teamwork."

Lessons may feature nutrition, physics, aerospace, engineering, electronics, biotechnology, and environmental science, just to name a few.

"We are kicking off a new 4-H year, and that also means the start of a new 4-H Teen Science and Health Ambassador year," said Nuger.

"We have two welcome and training sessions this fall to choose from, one in Naperville and one in Montgomery."

The local 4-H Teen Science and Health Ambassadors program is designed for youth in sixth to 12th grades and serves DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.

"We love to see these 4-H youth embrace new ideas and acquire new skills," said Nuger. "Through all our 4-H Teen Science and Health Ambassador efforts in 2016-2017, we directly reached more than 3,000 youth and community members."

Interested youth can choose from two 4-H training events: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, in Naperville or 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in Montgomery.

Cost is $30 per youth and includes training supplies and 2017-2018 4-H enrollment.

To learn more or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/science4Hdkk or contact your local Extension office.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, notify two weeks prior to the event.