The Science, Engineering, and Technology mission mandate is gathering steam as it moves across the
country. 4-H is actively responding to America’s need for future scientific leaders by expanding current
programs and designing and implementing new programs to increase focus on gaining science abilities
and process skills.

With the leadership of the National SET Design team, each state is responding to the objective to increase science, engineering, and technology knowledge, skills, and competencies by providing opportunities for hands-on scientific learning and discovery in 4-H clubs.

Washington 4-H has developed a plan of action for SET that is consistent with the following guiding principles, our core mission, and generating new partners and resources to arrive at One Million New
Scientists. One Million New Ideas.™

1. Science, engineering, and technology learning takes place in the context of the essential elements of 4-H youth development. Learning must provide youth with opportunities to master life challenges, cultivate independence with guidance from caring adults, gain a sense of belonging within a positive group, and share their spirits of generosity toward others.
2. 4-H’s approach to science, engineering, and technology must include youth–adult partnerships. Youth–adult partnerships are integral to non-formal experiential learning and must be a part of any plans to engage youth in 4-H SET.
3. 4-H delivers science, engineering, and technology programs in a variety of contexts to diverse youth in rural, suburban, and urban areas. One of 4-H’s strengths is the ability to offer youth ages 5–19 a variety of contexts in which they can participate, including 4-H clubs, 4-H camps, 4-H afterschool, special interest groups and projects, and school enrichment.
4. 4-H SET programs and curricula are based on National Science Education Standards (NSES). 4-H SET programs must meet rigorous standards for content and contextual design to ensure their quality and effectiveness.