Technology in the Trenches: How 4-H Prepares Youth for the Future

In this episode of the Extension Connection Podcast, we explore how 4-H prepares youth for the future by blending hands-on learning with modern technology. From STEM programs and agriculture to events like North Carolina 4-H Electric Congress, young people gain real-world skills in problem-solving, leadership, and career exploration. This episode highlights how 4-H helps youth build confidence, discover opportunities in technology and energy careers, and develop the skills they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Transcript

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Greetings everyone, and thank you for tuning in to the Extension Connection Podcast. I'm your co-host, Jessica Jackson, and today we're digging into a topic that's showing up just about everywhere, technology in the trenches of four H. Now, I'm going to be honest with you right off the bat, technology and I haven't always been the best of friends. I remember taking computer classes in college, and I'll just say it plainly, they were not my favorite. At the time, I didn't see the value. I never imagined how important those skills would become. Later on. Fast forward a few years later, and here I am using technology almost every single week. I use it to track successful programs, count how many youth were serving, write reports, submit grants, and share the impact four H is having across our community. Turns out those computer classes were trying to help me after all. And it's not just extension, schools are changing too. Chromebooks, iPads, online classrooms. Technology is now part of everyday life for kids. I even see it at home. I have a 2-year-old, and even with very limited screen time, she already knows how to swipe a phone like she's running a business, making calls, taking pictures, scrolling, like she's answering emails. It's amazing and a little bit humbling how quickly kids pick this stuff up. Technology is changing fast and rather we love it or struggle with it. There's no denying it's becoming part of everyday life, especially with our kids. What's interesting is how four H has grown right along with it, while still holding onto those hands-on values. We care so much about. Years ago, four H projects might have meant record books on paper, hands on demonstration and learning skills face to face. Today, we still do all of that, but technology helps take those experiences even further. Youth are learning how to use technology as a tool, not just for entertainment, but for problem solving, creativity and leadership. In four H, we see technology showing up in STEM programs, electrical congress. Robotics coating and even agriculture youth are learning about electricity, energy efficiency, renewable resources, and how technology connects the real world careers. These experiences open doors to future jobs in the trades, engineering green collar careers and agriculture careers that are especially important in rural communities. Technology also helps youth tell their stories, whether it's creating a presentation, designing a flyer, tracking a livestock project, or sharing a service project online kids are building communication skills that will serve them well far beyond four H. What's important to remember is that four H doesn't replace hands-on learning with screens. We blend the two. You still learn by doing, by trying, and sometimes by failing technology simply gives them more tools, more confidence to explore those interests and imagine what's possible. At the end of the day, technology in four H isn't about keeping up with the trends. It's about preparing young people for the future while staying grounded in the values of hard work, responsibility and community. And that balance is what makes four H just as relevant today as it's always been. So the question becomes, how do we help kids use technology in a meaningful way? That's where four H really shines. One of the best examples of technology and hands-on learning coming together in four H is electric Congress, and if you're not familiar with it, don't let the word electric intimidate you. It's about so much more than wires and outlet. Electric Congress is a statewide educational event that celebrates excellence in the four H electrical program. What makes X experience unique is that it travels to different regions across North Carolina each year, given participants a chance to explore new parts of the state while learning. Okay. During this program four H members take part in hands-on educational workshops, connect with power company representatives, and explore career opportunities in the energy industry. It's also a great chance for youth to meet and learn alongside other electric project winners from across the state. Beyond the learning, there's also plenty of fun and adventure. Special outings are planned to help participants experience. More of the North Carolina, whether that's in the rafting in the mountains of Nana Hill River. Enjoying the waves on the coast or exploring somewhere in between the free afternoon is always a highlight that offers something for everyone. Electric Congress gives young people real world experience with how electricity works from basic electrical safety to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and problem solving. These kids aren't just sitting in a classroom taking notes, they're building things. They're troubleshooting, they're asking questions. They're learning by doing, and that learning connects directly to something we hear more and more about these days. Green collar jobs. Green collar careers, focus on sustainability, conservation, renewable energy, and responsible. Use of our resources. They can look like solar energy, energy efficiency, construction, power line technology, electrical work engineering, or even modern agriculture that relies on smart technology. Through programs like Electric Congress, students start to realize that that skill, their learning can turn into real careers. Careers that keep on light, our lights on our communities running and our environment protected. And for many of our rural youth, that realization is huge. It shows them that they don't have to leave home to find a meaningful well paying job. What I love most is the confidence these experiences build. Kids walk away knowing they can figure things out. The technology isn't something to be afraid of, that they belong in the future workforce that they're learning, teamwork, leadership and responsibility, skills that matter. Whether they go into a trade college or straight into the workforce. And technology in four H doesn't stop with electricity or engineering. We see it in graphic design too. Students learn how to create flyers, logos, presentation, and social media outlets, content for their projects and clubs. We see it in public speaking where youth use slides, videos, and digital storytelling to share their ideas. We see it in agriculture where technology helps track animal health, manage feed and monitor land. That's the heart of it. For H Blends tradition with technology. We still believe in hands-on projects, hard work and community, but we also recognize that technology is part of our world. Our kids are growing up in. When used the right way, it opens doors. At the end of the day, electric Congress, and really all of four H isn't just about technology. It's about empowering young people, opening doors and showing them that with the right skills, they can power their own future. And that's something worth investing in today and for generations to come. Thank you for listening in today, and please join us next week with our Livestock agent, Cassie LA Masters. Have a great day.