Program Resources
4-H Robotics
Science based careers have been on the decline in the US in recent years, due to this 4-H has set a goal to engage one million new young people in science by the year 2013. As a way to help reach this goal 4-H teamed with FIRST Robotics and started the robotics program in April of 2009. In the years since 4-H has established hundreds of competitive FIRST Robotics teams nationwide and has 43 registered robotics clubs with many more on the way. Salt Lake County 4-H currently has 9 teams.
Other than FIRST Lego® League the 4-H Robotics program consists of clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after-school programs nationwide. The Utah 4-H office has robot kits, camp software, and a mobile computer lab available for checkout. Robotics curriculum for clubs is also available at the 4-H Mall.
Getting started in the 4-H Robotics program may seem daunting but really it’s easy to get your own club up and running. 
Nicole Hale is a Robotics coach that started off with basically no robotics programming experience
"As a stay home mom with six children, ages 4 to 14, I was honestly not looking for another hobby. I have a degree in elementary education, but no experience in robotics or programming and I had no interest in complicating life…. Lego Bistro had a remarkably successful year as a rookie team. The kids learned a lot about robot building and programming, but even more important were the life skills they learned. Without exception, I saw each team member grow in their capacity for responsibility, hard work, getting along with others, teamwork, leadership, drive, focus, presentation skills, confidence, and many other qualities. This made me feel like the time and effort I spent coaching was well worth the sacrifice. Additionally, I saw similar growth in myself and discovered a passion for working with these kids." To read more about Nicole Hale’s first year as a robotics coach click here!
Interested in starting your own robotics club? Call 801-468-3180.
Volunteers in the 4-H Robotics program can be involved on many levels. You don't need to be tech savvy to volunteer. We provide training, workshops, scrimmages,and mentors to help the youth teach themselves! Our program welcomes adult volunteers who can offer science expertise, workforce application, and mentor 4-Her’s in their communities. Volunteers can:
- Speak at a career day or club meeting
- Serve as “content” volunteer to local 4-H Robotics clubs
- Mentor at local engineering, rocketry, or robotics club
-Organize local 4-H club visits to corporate sites.
What can 4-H Robotics do for you?
Youth involved in 4-H Robotics have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in engineering, technology, problem solving, teamwork and communication. Youth also will be able to have hands on experiences designing, building and programming robots to complete challenges. Robotics can help youth make new friends, discover new interests, and help them find a career path.
Click here to see our Lego Bistro Robotics Team on the news!