MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Known in the past as a youth club for farming and agriculture, 4-H has evolved into one of the nation’s largest child development organizations. Today 4-H clubs are present in communities and military installations worldwide, and specialize in engaging youth in a variety of science, technology, engineering and math programs.
The MacDill Youth Center and 4-H team members with Hillsborough County partnered to host their annual 4-H National Youth Science Day, Oct. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Over the past 15 years the partnership between the MacDill Youth Center and 4-H has helped bring continuity and life skills to the youth of Team MacDill.
“We want the kids to learn from their experiences and our goal is to help the children become successful and civically engaged adults in our community,” said Charles Poliseno, Hillsborough County 4-H youth development extension agent.
During their National Youth Science Day, the 4-H team introduced MacDill Youth Center members to a computer science program in which they created digital imagery and animations.
“We’re focused on teaching computer science and basic coding principles, and through this program maybe the kids will consider new career paths and find new interests,” stated Poliseno.
MacDill’s Youth Center has committed to incorporating STEM opportunities for its youth members and their staff was thankful for the 4-H program’s participation in the science day event.
“STEM and computer science are essential to 21st century learning and can give children the tools to become thinkers and problem solvers,” said Chris Hug, 6th Force Support Squadron youth programs director. “Overall the event was a huge success, the 4-H team did an awesome job getting the kids engaged and explaining what computer science is all about.”