A 4-H youth development program changes perceptions, making students insiders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics Role models, often parents or other close family members, serve as crucial sources of inspiration for students engaged in making career choices in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to research studies. A big part of what Janice McDonnell is doing […]
Youth/Community Development
Hudson and Camden County 4-H Team Up to Prepare the Next Generation of Urban Food and Agriculture Changemakers
Over the next five years, a new generation of food and agriculture changemakers will be prepared to participate in and lead urban agriculture activities, better understand food systems and address social justice issues in Jersey City and Camden. This is made possible by a $638,144 grant awarded to the Department of 4-H Youth Development, Rutgers […]
4-H STEM Ambassadors Participate in Sustainability Summit ‘23 at Rutgers
New Jersey 4-H STEM Ambassadors joined faculty at Rutgers University for the 2023 Climate Sustainability Summit on November 10th, a day of learning, discovery, collaboration and action. The summit, which was attended by 25 youth from New Jersey’s biggest cities, addressed the importance of being sustainable and fulfilling the needs of current generations without compromising […]
Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program Graduates New Cohort from this Transformative New Jersey Volunteer Program
Forty-one new volunteers were certified as Rutgers Environmental Stewards on October 28 at the program’s annual Impact Summit having each completed a project that helped address an environmental issue in their community. These volunteers partnered with 48 organizations across the state, educating close to 4,000 people on pressing issues such as climate change, habitat conservation, […]
USDA-NIFA Grant Supports Collaborative Food Systems Solution Science Storytelling Project for New Jersey High School Youth
What does the future hold for food security through agriculture and marine technologies? New Jersey high school students will discover the answers as part of an innovative USDA-funded 4-H afterschool program that provides youth with immersive science learning through digital storytelling, made in trusting partnership with Rutgers scientists. Faculty and researchers from the departments of […]
4-H Teams with Rutgers Scientists and Engineers to Train 54 Teenagers to Serve as STEM Ambassadors
Since 2009, the Rutgers 4-H Youth Development department has trained and supported teenagers from several of New Jersey’s biggest cities to lead STEM programming for youth through camps, libraries, and afterschool programs. This July, the program’s 15th cohort of STEM Ambassadors spent a week at Rutgers-New Brunswick to expand their own understanding of STEM topics […]
Announcement: Shailja Mathur is the new FCHS Educator in Somerset County
Announcement from Sara Elnakib, chair of the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. Please welcome Shailja Mathur, the new Family and Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Educator in Somerset County, who will be part of the Chronic Disease Prevention and Management working group within FCHS. Shailja is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Lifestyle Coach, Certified […]
Welcome Jennifer Salt Taylor as an FCHS Educator in Passaic County
Announcement by Sara Elnakib, chair of the Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer Salt Taylor as our new FCHS Educator in Passaic County who will focus on supporting equitable and sustainable community food systems in the county. Jennifer has focused her professional life on community nutrition and increasing access […]
Morris County 4-H Rocket Team Rocks Launch Week in Alabama!
The Morris County 4-H Rocket Team had a blast in Huntsville, Alabama last week! All 5 members of the only NJ team in attendance traveled to the launch week events put together by the Student Launch group of NASA. They experienced the thrill of being among the university/college teams and some middle/high school teams preparing […]
Announcement: Melissa Bright Appointed County 4-H Agent in Somerset County
Announcement from Rachel Lyons, chair of the Department of 4-H Youth Development. Please welcome Melissa Bright to her new role as County 4-H Agent in Somerset County, effective May 1, 2023. Melissa has served as a site director for the YMCA of Hunterdon and Bucks Counties leading a school age childcare program since 2018. For […]