Massachusetts 4-H Receives Google Grant
One of 21 state chapters to receive part of the $6 million grant, Massachusetts 4-H’s goal will be to create access to computer science education for all, focusing on youth in rural or underserved areas.
The grant will be used to contribute learning resources and tools to 4-H leaders and educators in Massachusetts, including:
- Professional development for 4-H educators
- Teen mentor training
- Connected devices, including Chromebooks and Expedition kits
- Access to Google’s computer science expertise
The Google grant builds upon 2017 funding from the company, which helped create the 4-H CS Pathway, reaching more than 325,000 youth through 3,000 adult volunteers in the past two years. The collaboration combines the reach and educational expertise of 4-H, the nation’s largest youth development organization, and the power of Google’s CS products, educational programs, and employee volunteers who have dedicated more than 1,000 hours to support 4-H youth as they explore CS.
“Being a part of this collaboration allows Massachusetts 4-H to step up as a CS Pathways Launcher and bring computational thinking skills needed today not only into our existing 4-H programs but also to new audiences,” says Kim Pond, UMass Extension Educator and 4-H S.E.T. Liaison. “4-H has over 100 years of bringing science from the Land Grant University System to the people …The great thing about this program is you don’t have to already be involved in Computer Science. You don’t even have even have to have access to a computer lab or devices as there is a whole realm of unplugged activities that are exciting and hands-on.”
Computer science promotes life skills such as computational thinking, teamwork, and problem solving, preparing Massachusetts youth for career opportunities in a technology-rich state.
To learn how to get involved with programs originating from the Google grant, contact Ms. Pond at: [email protected]
