Rutgers First Urban 4-H Summer Science Program Opens July 6

WHAT: First Annual Rutgers 4-H Summer Science Program in which urban youths will explore animal, marine, environmental, and food sciences in a campus setting and will be trained to serve as ambassadors for 4-H SET (science, engineering, and technology) programs for younger children in after-school and summer camp settings in their home communities.

WHO: Forty-five teenagers from Camden, Hackensack, Paterson, and Trenton, most of whom will be enjoying their first 4-H experience, who were selected based on teacher recommendations and an interview process.

WHEN: Program opens on Monday, July 6, at 2 p.m. The program runs through July10

WHERE: Opening event in Multipurpose Rooms A, B, C, Cook Campus Center, 59 Biel Road, New Brunswick, N.J.

BACKGROUND: In 2006, the National Academies issued an alarming report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm, calling for dramatic improvement in K-12 science and technology education to increase our global competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, and medicine (STEM). The report identifies the U.S. maintaining leadership in science and technology as critical to securing our future social and economic wellbeing, but acknowledges several indicators that suggest we are losing ground. A 2007 report from the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges identifies STEM for youth as a growth area. National 4-H unveiled SET as a critical part of its mandate and Rutgers Cooperative Extension is poised to play a vital role in creating interest and competency in these areas. 4-H of Bergen, Camden, Essex, Mercer, and Passaic counties and 4-H SET are key collaborators in this inaugural summer science program.