AT&T has awarded the Georgia 4-H Foundation $25,000 to support marketing and outreach to underserved audiences as well as 4-H science and technology-related projects and programs.

Funds for this year’s program will support the 4-H STEM Ambassador project will train a team of high school students in STEM content, enhancing their own knowledge and preparing them to educate and inspire other youth in their communities. A group of 25 students will serve as STEM Ambassadors. Each one will create a plan to deliver STEM activities to students in low-income counties. Hands-on STEM activities will enhance learning opportunities, encourage high school graduate and better prepare youth for the workforce by guiding them to jobs in science related fields. This well-trained, core group of 4-H’ers, will enhance the opportunities for more youth to use technology and to learn about STEM concepts as well as encouraging their peers to finish high school.

In addition, the Georgia 4-H State Board of Directors and Urban Youth Advisory Boards will guide the development of 4-H programs and encourage other youth to get involved in 4-H. The project team will engage these youth in discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of 4-H programs related to 4-H’s ability to connect with urban and/or at-risk audiences. At its core, the project team hopes to explore new ways, through the input of the Urban Youth Advisory Board, to offer programming to benefit underserved audiences and improve academic outcomes and high school completion rates for at-risk youth.

“This contribution gives 4-H an incredible opportunity to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth across the state,” said Mary Ann Parson, Director, 4-H Foundation. “Through the 4-H STEM Ambassador project, 4-H program staff will have the opportunity to replicate proven 4-H programs that are producing positive outcomes in underserved communities across the state including reduced school drop-out rates and strengthened family relationships.”