4-H STEAM Provides Teens with Professional Experience

Imanni Hayes’ involvement in the 4-H STEAM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Arts/Math) program set the stage for her future career aspirations, and this process started early for her.

Imanni joined the hands-on 4-H STEAM program in 7^th grade. She began working as a youth leader in the program by 9^th grade, helping to facilitate programs at local community centers, which she did throughout high school. She also helped to lead the STEM Ambassadors program during the summer. This program provides hands-on STEAM activities to underserved youth.

Imanni received practical benefits from the 4-H STEAM program and gained skills that she can use throughout her life. “When things don’t go according to plan, I learned how to go back and forth with people in a group, to learn how to fix problems,” said Imanni.

Imanni enjoyed the sense of community she gained from 4-H STEAM. “Having contact with Lauren and Liz (the 4-H Educator and Program Assistant, respectively) were vital at that point in time,” explained Imanni. “Coming from Springfield, I don’t get the experience to see Eastern Massachusetts that often…with 4-H STEAM, I had that chance.”

A Springfield native, Imanni is now a sophomore chemical engineering major at UMass-Amherst. She hopes to pursue a career as a formalist for a cosmetics or skincare company.

Like Imanni, Caleb Cannon, 18, also began in the 4-H STEAM program as a 7^th grader. Caleb advanced quickly in the program. He started as a youth leader during his sophomore year in high school, instructing youth aged 5-13. He taught computer science to youth by using manipulatives like paper airplanes and also instructed the youth in Ozobots (coding robots).

• In Caleb’s second year as a youth leader, he attended an international 4-H conference held in Utah, where he learned about 4-H’s partnership with Google. Caleb is thankful for the programs he was able to participate in due to 4-H STEAM, including the pre-college Explore UMass conference and The Big E. “I liked the opportunities that went with it (4-H STEAM),” said Caleb.

What Caleb enjoyed most was meeting new people and influencing others’ attitudes toward computer science. “You see people’s mindsets change about computer science. It’s a cool epiphany that they get,” he said.

Caleb, who attended Putnam Vocational Technical Academy in Springfield, would like to attend trade school in the future to become an electrician. He currently works as a Cable Technician for Pixel Health.