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August 19, 2008
4-H and 3M Foundation Launch National Initiative to Engage Youth in Alternative Energy Projects
National 4-H Council and the 3M Foundation announced on September 18, 2008, their strategic partnership to launch The Power of the Wind, a cutting-edge educational resource that teaches youth how to use engineering principles to design and to build alternative energy projects, utilizing wind as the primary resource. This new national curriculum--funded by a $500,000 grant from 3M Foundation--adds to 4-H's continued commitment to providing quality, hands-on science, engineering, and technology programs to millions of youth nationwide.
4-H, part of the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture, will also launch The Power of the Wind Online to provide multi-media resources and activities that supplement the curriculum and enable 4-H youth to engage in alternative energy issues. 4 H programs are implemented by the 106 Land Grant Universities through more than 3,100 local Cooperative Extension offices across the country. The grant aims to reach 1.3 million middle-school youth and to target 730,000 4-H youth engaged in energy projects in virtually every county in the nation.
"The Power of Wind is an exciting addition to our existing hands-on programming in science, engineering, and technology and will help us reach our goal of fostering one million new scientists over the next five years," said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO of National 4 H Council. "Our strategic partnership with 3M is another example of the great collaboration between 4-H and corporate, university, and civic leaders and is dedicated to empowering youth to cultivate a long-lasting interest in the sciences."
4-H and 3M, one of the nation's leading diversified technology companies, understand that the technology required to meet today's environmental challenges--such as energy use, climate change, recycling, and natural resource stewardship--require a diverse American workforce that is highly skilled in science and engineering disciplines. By aligning with 4-H's science, engineering, and technology mission and the recently announced campaign "One Million New Scientists. One Million New Ideas™," 3M's generous grant will help 4-H spark youth interest in science and increase the number of young adults pursuing science-related careers.
To read full press release, visit fourhcouncil.edu
Posted in category Partnerships at 9:59 AM