Muskegon Michigan State University (MSU) Extension - 4-H Tech Wizards

Mission: To expand young minds while exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and architecture, and mathematics (STEAM).

4-H Tech Wizards is an after-school small group mentoring program that expands young minds while exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and architecture, and mathematics (STEAM). Paired with an adult mentor, youth explore these fields through guided activities provided by program staff during both the school year and the summer months.

Michigan 4-H is the largest youth-development organization in the state, with more than 200,000 young people who participate in countless ways. The volunteers who serve on our boards, councils and committees – and support young people ages 5 to 19 years – are carefully screened to ensure the safety of all of our participants. MSU Extension has adopted high standards for screening and selecting the volunteers who represent MSU Extension 4-H. 4-H volunteers are valued members of MSU Extension programs across the state, and they contribute their skills, talents, time and experience to strengthen and support its mission.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

Our program relies heavily on volunteer mentors. Below is an outline of expectations for our mentors:

What will you do?

• Meet once a week with your mentees after school for two hours in a structured online setting to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Architecture, and Mathematics (STEAM) projects.
• Be a positive role model for young people in our community.

Do you have to have a background in STEAM fields?

• Not at all! Just curiosity and a passion for working with youth.
• Mentors are screened, interviewed, and go through a 9 hour mentor training before being matched with youth.

Why should I mentor?

• Mentors help youth build relationships with adults in their community.
• Mentoring helps build youth self esteem.
• Mentoring in a small group setting allows youth to work in a supportive team environment and take creative risks while becoming leaders in their project areas.
• Youth learn to have balance fun and responsibility when working together with a mentor.
• Mentors help youth to understand that mistakes can be learning opportunities.
• Mentors and mentees both learn new perspectives from one another.
• Mentors make a difference! According to mentor.org, at-risk young adults who have mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college, 78% more likely to regularly volunteer, 90% more likely to be interested in becoming mentors themselves, and 130% more likely to take on leadership positions.