by Nasrin Nawa | Nebraska Extension
Lincoln, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension has been awarded a five-year grant from the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Children, Youth, and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Program.
CYFAR is a national initiative developed to meet locally identified needs, through quality research-based programs for vulnerable, at-risk, low-income, and low-resource children, youth, and families to promote positive life outcomes.
The funding from will allow Nebraska Extension to inspire and empower a new generation of youth to pursue careers in STEM and agricultural technology, ultimately contributing to the economic and social well-being of their communities. M-TECH Nebraska project, a forward-thinking initiative designed to provide at-risk youth with vital STEM education and life skills is the recipient of this funding.
M-TECH Nebraska Program
The M-TECH Nebraska project is a collaborative effort involving Nebraska Extension, Grand Island Public Schools and Hall County Extension. It is an innovative informal science educational opportunity for elementary school children during the out of school hours. M-TECH will give youth an opportunity to engage in experiential learning activities that will allow youth to participate in hands-on engineering design principles, develop creativity while trying to solve real work problems and critical thinking. Additionally, M-TECH programming will allow youth to develop important social emotional skills such as responsible decision making, relationship skills, and self-management.
M-TECH Leadership
The project is a collaborative effort and is overseen by Dr. Michelle Krehbiel, Professor, Nebraska 4-H Youth Development, Dr. Brad Barker, Professor, Nebraska 4-H Youth Development, Dr. Doug Golick, Professor, Entomologyand Dr. Trish Wonch Hill, Associate Professor, Center for Science, Mathematics & Computer Education.