Host a STEM Ambassador

4-H STEM Content 

4-H STEM Ambassadors will be prepared to lead a selected activity set. Each topic will have four sessions, designed to be one hour each in length. STEM topic options will be determined by 4-H staff at the start of the semester. Topics will be assigned based on the age of youth participants and the needs of host sites and volunteers. Please note we have a limited capacity and space for volunteers and host sites, so sign up early!

Adult hosts are invited to join in the STEM content training sessions if available.  We found that this made for a better experience all around -for students, volunteers, and you!

Hosts may Indicate their preference for in-person or entirely virtual programming (1:1 devices required). We will do our best to accommodate preferences, but may not be able to meet all requests and preferences, so flexibility is appreciated.

Content Topics

The Spring 2024 topic will be the 4-H STEM Challenge: Power Protectors. This is a unit that focuses on renewable energy with engineering design challenges.

Scheduling and Planning

Typically sessions are one time per week for an hour. Let us know if you have a preferred day of the week or time of day and we will do our best to match a 4-H STEM Ambassador volunteer with you and your students.  

Host site must

  • Coordinate participant recruitment.  Ensure an appropriate youth/adult ratio, maximum 10 to 1.
  • Provide an adult in the room with STEM Ambassadors,  to provide support and classroom management (i.e. help manage behaviors, problem-solving, etc.).
  • If virtual, the host site must distribute any provided content materials to participants.
  • Provide an on-site/online supervisor (an adult on-site/online for each session and available as needed to assist with behavior management and support for youth participants).
  • If online, ensure each participant can log in from an individual device, and provide headphones when possible.
  • Stay in regular communication with 4-H Program Coordinator, and share any concerns.
  • Attend orientation session (1.5 hours) with 4-H Program Coordinators.

We suggest host site supervisors

  • Support, guide, and provide constructive feedback for 4-H STEM Ambassadors
  • Support reflection – providing time for the 4-H STEM Ambassador to check in with them regarding successes and challenges
  • Attend additional training sessions to better understand the program and the activities that the 4-H STEM Ambassador will facilitate

Host site coordinated paperwork

  • Complete non-discrimination form (1 per site)
  • Collect registrations prior to STEM Ambassador sessions
    • Enrollment information for participants 
    • Media release forms for each participant (if required)
    • Health and participation forms (if required)
  • Take attendance each session
  • Complete evaluation and provide feedback for STEM Ambassador and program offered
  • Share your success/challenges with STEM Ambassador program coordinator
  • Work with STEM Ambassador program coordinator on any media coverage

Fee

There is not a set fee for hosting a 4-H STEM Ambassador.  Donations towards materials costs are encouraged. 

How to become a host site

Complete the Spring 2024 Host Site Request Form.

What if there is not a 4-H STEM Ambassador volunteer for my school or program? 

Unfortunately, we are not able to commit to providing the activities if we don’t have volunteers that match your schedule, or have enough volunteers to meet requests. However, we would still like to support you and your students. You are invited to attend the content training. At that time we will share with you all the lesson plans and we will provide you with a set of materials for the facilitator only if we have materials available.

Questions? contact the 4-H Science team at 4-HScience@maine.edu.