Access, equity, and opportunity are objectives critical to the mission and vision of the 4-H Program. Because 4-H allows young people to make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and shape their communities, the philosophy of inclusion rather than segregation has shown beneficial to programs in Cameron County.  Understanding the high demand more than ever for knowledge in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM), county agents developed robotics for special needs children to teach perseverance and determination when faced with challenges.

According to A Promise to America’s Kids in the national strategic plan, in 2025 4-H will reflect the population demographics, vulnerable populations, diverse needs and social conditions of the country. The data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicated 6.6 million or 13 percent of all public school students receive special education services and 35% had social learning disabilities. As such, youth with learning/emotional disabilities are identified as a vulnerable population. Specifically, organized activity programs are critical in supporting adolescents’ development. Whereas, robotics for students with special needs in Cameron County is an example of how 4-H continues to provide relevant programs that address 21st century needs while demonstrating a commitment to expand its engagement of diverse youth populations.

Students in a self-contained special education classroom setting at Berta Cabaza Middle School in San Benito, TX participated in a four-week robotics program taught by Guadalupe Castro, extension agent for 4-H Youth Development, and Yolanda Lopez, classroom teacher. From October 11th – November 1st, 2017, these students were presented a series of lessons on the mechanics of robots and engineering careers. Using the LEGO EV3 Mindstorm Robotics Kits, the students were taught about the following: electricity and water-based conduits, robotic programming commands (forward/back/turns), mathematical measurements using the agriculture challenge, and a vacuum challenge which used sensors for touch. At the end of the four weeks, Guadalupe presented each student with a certificate of completion for mastering the concepts. Both Castro and Lopez plan to continue providing 4-H programming in the future to this group of students.

For more information about A Promise to America’s Kids and youth with learning disabilities visit the following websites:

Guadalupe Castro
Guadalupe Castro
Cameron County Extension Agent (4-H)
(956) 361-8236
Guadalupe.castro@ag.tamu.edu


Joaquina Kankam
Joaquina Kankam
Program Specialist (4-H)
(936) 261-5165
jokankam@pvamu.edu