|
 |
|
SOYBEAN CHECKOFF PARTNERS WITH 4-H TO TEACH CITY KIDS ABOUT BIOTECH
Jun. 25, 2012
Source: American Soybean Assn news release
The 4-H Teen Teaching Youth Biotechnology Program not only teaches teens about biotechnology and agriculture, but it also provides an opportunity for them to share their knowledge with others. The program, a collaborative effort between the United Soybean Board (USB) and the National 4-H Council, educates hundreds of city kids about biotechnology in several urban areas. To date, 80 teenagers have been trained to reach 400 youth in the five states.
The program, part of the checkoff's Biotechnology Initiative, aims to help the teen 4-Hers:
• Increase knowledge of biotechnology
• Gain confidence in their ability to communicate about biotechnology
• Become more aware of the rapidly expanding career opportunities in biotechnology
The pilot soy checkoff-funded program kicked off at the beginning of the year when 16 4-H teens from Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Ohio met in Indianapolis for a four-day training session to learn about biotechnology. These teen leaders then recruited other teens in their communities to help plan and implement biotechnology lessons for elementary and middle-school students.
"These young people represent our future scientists, politicians and other leaders," said Laura Foell, a soybean farmer from Schaller, Iowa, and a director serving on the USB's Biotechnology Initiative. "We want to make sure that all youth, not only youth in traditional rural communities, but urban communities as well, have this background in order to make sound decisions affecting how we raise our food."
|
|
|
|
|
