CREVE COEUR, Mo – In November 2023, almost three dozen students in grades 6-8 and their teachers from Marian Middle School in St. Louis joined Missouri 4-H and Bayer professionals for a day camp focused on STEM and agriculture careers.

Students created their own “greenhouse” necklaces to learn about seed germination gain a better understanding of inputs needed to successfully grow plants. Students also participated in two activities from the 4-H Ag Innovator Experience Program, an initiative included as part of the national partnership between National 4-H Council and Bayer. One activity introduced the students to agricultural technologies such as selective breeding, GPS/GIS and drones. Another activity took a deeper dive into the use of drones in precision agriculture. Following the activity, drone pilots from Bayer visited with the group and discussed their career journeys and how they use drones to monitor crop conditions. Students also toured some Bayer laboratories and met with a panel of Bayer employees to learn more about their various careers.

“We are grateful for the work being done by the 4-H Ag Innovator Experience Program,” said Sierhah Price, principal of Marian Middle School. “Our school thrives off STEM opportunities and work to make sure the young ladies at Marian know they are capable of entering into STEM careers after graduation. This experience has broadened our students” awareness of fields and skills beyond their imagination.” St. Louis County 4-H specialist Melissa Scheer says she “looks forward to continuing our partnership with Bayer in support for more youth day camps focused on STEM education in our communities.”

After participating in the day camp, 70% of students responded they had a better understanding of how they can contribute to continuing a healthy food supply. More than half of the students shared they have a better understanding of how science and technology help solve real-life problems.

About Missouri 4-H

More than 55,000 members strong, Missouri 4-H is an active, dynamic organization of young people who are learning, growing, and preparing to be the leaders of today and tomorrow – making a real difference in their community, country, and world. 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri and the nation’s Cooperative Extension System.  For more information on Missouri 4-H, visit https://4h.missouri.edu.