PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (July 14, 2020) – In Prairie View A&M University’s 4-H and Youth Development Program, events typically happen all year round.
“We plan, implement, and measure informal educational programs in the areas of college and career readiness, healthy living, STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math], and citizenship for underserved youth in Texas,” said 4-H Youth Development Specialist Cynthia Pierfax.
With that being said, 4-H may not seem like an experience that can be recreated virtually. However, in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, dedicated 4-H Agents and volunteers of PVAMU’s program have done just that.
They collaborated with the nonprofit Athletes for Computer Science to provide education and exposure to careers in computer science to children in elementary through high school.
“The partnership [with Athletes for Computer Science] was developed in 2018. However, at that time, the thought of virtual learning was not seen as crucial,” said Pierfax. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we re-introduced the program to our volunteer base. Because of the emphasis on virtual learning, we wanted to ensure that our underserved youth audience received a quality educational program during this time of crisis, and the program was a perfect response.”
After undergoing training, PVAMU agents in various counties worked one-on-one with volunteers to start the program, which took off. Over 100 young people throughout Texas (and one from New York) have worked their way through the coding curriculum.
“STEM careers and having a diverse STEM workforce are equally important. We are currently faced with, and will continually face, 21st Century and beyond domestic and global challenges. We need a diverse and highly skilled workforce to address those challenges and be prepared to face more complex future challenges,” said Pierfax.
Cynthia Pierfax
Those interested in participating in upcoming sessions, as either a member or a volunteer, can follow PVAMU 4-H on Instagram @pvamu4h, or visit the website.
In the meantime, National 4-H is offering at-home activities online.
“The COVID-19 epidemic caused a shift in urgency in delivering educational programs. As an option in the past, virtual learning is the new way of educating our youth,” said Pierfax. “As 4-H professionals, we have to be ahead of the times and anticipate changes. We have to ensure our youth are receiving quality and fun educational programs.”
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By Marley Crusch