Youth Development
What is Youth Development?
The Southern University Cooperative Extension Program's Youth Development department is committed to providing 4-H STEM programs to youth in underserved communities, thereby offering them invaluable opportunities for growth and empowerment. With a legacy that spans over a century, 4-H has continually adapted its programming to integrate the latest research from land grant universities and the USDA.
At the heart of 4-H's educational framework lie three essential areas, engaging youth in hands-on learning across various project domains, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and financial literacy. Science holds particular importance within 4-H, serving as a foundational pillar for nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.
As societal needs evolve, 4-H has broadened its focus beyond traditional agricultural sciences to encompass emerging fields such as robotics, renewable energy, and STEAM. By facilitating hands-on experiences in science, engineering, and technology, 4-H equips young minds in underserved communities with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today's rapidly evolving world.
Through its STEM programs, the Southern University Cooperative Extension Program's Youth Development department ensures that students in underserved communities have access to transformative learning experiences. These programs not only cultivate curiosity and creativity but also prepare youth for prosperous careers in STEM-related fields. By empowering these students with essential tools and resources, 4-H is actively bridging the opportunity gap and fostering a more equitable future for all.
Our Mission
Youth Development’s mission is to provide life-changing skills and opportunities to Louisiana youth with an overarching vision to enhance their lives by providing positive development in a safe and nurturing environment. While our services are extended to all youth, there is a particular focus on socially disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups, as there is generally limited access to viable resources. As the cycle of life continues with emerging issues across our state, it is imperative to ensure today’s youth are equipped with the basic developmental, social and organizational skills needed to become futuristic leaders. Through 4-H and Positive Youth Development programs, youth gain the knowledge and skills to ignite their passion for civic engagement, community stewardship, and decision-making processes.
What is 4-H?
In 4‑H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. 4‑H is delivered by the Cooperative Extension Program—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provide experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
Through life-changing 4‑H programs, nearly six million kids and teens have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.
USDA/NIFA Critical Issues
American children are at substantially higher risks for undernourishment, child abuse, neglect, poor health, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, violence and academic underachievement, due to conditions beyond their control. To address this critical area, we will target Louisiana youth and provide educational information on three areas: Citizenship/Leadership, Healthy Living and Science and Technology. We will emphasize four essential elements in youth – belonging, independence, mastery and generosity.
What is S.T.E.A.M.?
According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to solve the world’s grand challenges, it is essential to increase and diversify the talent pipeline across S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics) disciplines. Youth must be engaged in culturally relevant, innovative, and meaningful learning experiences. Culturally relevant pedagogy uses students’ cultural experiences and backgrounds to develop real-world connections to increase engagement with instruction and learning (Hanover, 2021). In order to achieve positive outcomes in career exploration it’s important for students to envision their future (Nurmi, 1991). Creating a narrative helps youth imagine their future careers, linking their present selves to the possibilities of their future or who they would aspire to be (Gee et al., 2020).
4-H Youth Development engages youth in innovative and creative programming opportunities that will enable students to find their spark and passion in various areas. Career development and exploration equips youth with access to unique, hands-on opportunities to explore and imagine the wealth of careers available to them. Savickas (2012) suggests that prioritizing youth involvement in S.T.E.A.M. career exploration could increase youth interest, motivation, and self-efficacy to pursue degrees in fields such as agricultural and biological engineering, entomology, family and consumer sciences, food science, and veterinary medicine. Find your spark today in 4-H!
Hip Hop to GenZ
The HipHop to GenZ summer camp is an exciting and immersive summer experience that blends music, technology, and innovation. This one-of-a-kind camp is designed to inspire middle and high school students through the creative lens of hip hop culture while introducing them to cutting-edge concepts in STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Mathematics.
From songwriting and studio engineering to film production and drone technology, students will work alongside professional artists, engineers, and educators to create original content, build technical skills, and explore future careers in creative and tech-based industries.
At the Hip Hop to GenZ Camp, students get the chance to explore their creativity while developing exciting new skills. Through songwriting and recording, they learn how to transform ideas and emotions into music. Film and video production become tangible as participants step behind the camera to direct and edit their own projects. Our drone sessions introduce innovative technology and its real-world applications in fields like agriculture and media. DJing and stage performance workshops help build confidence and teach students how to captivate an audience. Most importantly, the camp fosters teamwork, lasting friendships, and personal growth in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment.
The camp will culminate in a dynamic live performance where students will showcase everything they’ve learned, from original songs to video projects.
This is more than just a camp. It’s a movement that celebrates culture, builds confidence, and connects creativity to career paths.
Robotics and Coding Program
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap in underrepresented youth participation in technology careers. With our specialized resources, we aim to drive agricultural advancement through technology in communities lacking access, empowering them to engage and contribute to this vital national sector.
Through our robotics and coding program, we address racial and gender disparities in the technology workforce by involving K-12 youth in stimulating challenges, fostering pathways to careers in agriculture, science, and technology.
Our primary goal is to enhance access, expand participation, and promote inclusivity in STEM education. By offering robotics and coding as outreach initiatives, we provide youth with hands-on, project-based learning experiences, integrating critical thinking skills and technology into their daily lives.
Given the increasing importance of programming and computing skills, it's essential for students from diverse backgrounds to acquire this knowledge. Through our state and national standards-based curriculum, The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center endeavors to diversify representation in STEM fields, enhance agricultural literacy among youth through technology, and foster a positive outlook on agriculture.
Drone Certification Program
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center is proud to partner with Cross Flight Sky Solutions to offer an FAA Part 107 Drone Flight Certification training course for Louisiana high school juniors and seniors. Our aim is to enhance youth education with the use of drones and broaden their chances for future employment through drone pilot certification.
Our comprehensive drone certification program empowers youth with innovative curriculums and equips them with practical skills that will translate to various fields, including agriculture and digital media. SU Ag Center's training course is designed to prepare our participants to successfully pass the FAA Part 107 exam on their first attempt so they can launch their drone career and begin applying their industry skills post-graduation.
Our Drone Flight training course is a flexible, engaging course that can be customized to fit each class. Students will complete a 40-hour course in which they will learn regulations, operating requirements, and procedures to safely fly drones. After completing the classroom course content, students will be able to use what they have learned to successfully use drones to fly missions.
