Project Name

University of Nebraska-Lincoln SCP: Engaging At-Risk Youth through Near-Peer Mentoring Wearable Technologies

Status

State

Nebraska

Year

2025

Description

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Sustainable Community Project (SCP) titled "Engaging At-Risk Youth through Near-Peer Mentoring Wearable Technologies Curriculum (M-TECH Nebraska)" aims to enhance STEM learning for school-age youth (K-8) through an innovative program model. M-TECH Nebraska focuses on providing hands-on STEM experiences to 4th and 5th-grade students from two predominantly Hispanic Title I elementary schools in Grand Island, Nebraska. The program utilizes a near-peer mentoring model where high school students serve as mentors, helping younger students engage in STEM activities involving wearable technology. This approach not only aids the younger students but also equips high school mentors with valuable leadership and communication skills. The project will leverage the Nebraska 4-H Wearable Technology (WearTec) curriculum, aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, to immerse students in experiential learning. WearTec activities involve creating electronic textiles or accessories that integrate engineering, computer programming, and basic circuitry, thereby fostering a strong foundation in STEM disciplines. The selected community sites, Howard Elementary and Dodge Elementary, both serve high-risk populations with significant numbers of Hispanic and immigrant students living in poverty. By engaging these students in after-school programs, M-TECH Nebraska aims to address the critical need for STEM exposure and education in these underserved communities. Additionally, the project will enhance social capital and science identity among participants, aiming to inspire long-term interest in STEM careers. The project team, consisting of experienced educators and specialists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will provide training, support, and resources to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the program. Through partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and the Nebraska Extension, M-TECH Nebraska aims to create lasting impacts on the educational and career trajectories of participating youth, ultimately contributing to broader economic development and quality of life improvements in rural and minority communities.

Name

University of Nebraska-Lincoln SCP: Engaging At-Risk Youth through Near-Peer Mentoring Wearable Technologies

Website

Market Statement

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Staff

User Name Role
Brad Barker State Project Technology Specialist
Michelle Krehbiel PI
Patricia Wonch Hill State Project Evaluator

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Name

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Market Statement

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Sustainable Community Project (SCP) titled "Engaging At-Risk Youth through Near-Peer Mentoring Wearable Technologies Curriculum (M-TECH Nebraska)" aims to enhance STEM learning for school-age youth (K-8) through an innovative program model. M-TECH Nebraska focuses on providing hands-on STEM experiences to 4th and 5th-grade students from two predominantly Hispanic Title I elementary schools in Grand Island, Nebraska. The program utilizes a near-peer mentoring model where high school students serve as mentors, helping younger students engage in STEM activities involving wearable technology. This approach not only aids the younger students but also equips high school mentors with valuable leadership and communication skills. The project will leverage the Nebraska 4-H Wearable Technology (WearTec) curriculum, aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards, to immerse students in experiential learning. WearTec activities involve creating electronic textiles or accessories that integrate engineering, computer programming, and basic circuitry, thereby fostering a strong foundation in STEM disciplines. The selected community sites, Howard Elementary and Dodge Elementary, both serve high-risk populations with significant numbers of Hispanic and immigrant students living in poverty. By engaging these students in after-school programs, M-TECH Nebraska aims to address the critical need for STEM exposure and education in these underserved communities. Additionally, the project will enhance social capital and science identity among participants, aiming to inspire long-term interest in STEM careers. The project team, consisting of experienced educators and specialists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will provide training, support, and resources to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the program. Through partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and the Nebraska Extension, M-TECH Nebraska aims to create lasting impacts on the educational and career trajectories of participating youth, ultimately contributing to broader economic development and quality of life improvements in rural and minority communities.

Program Implementation

In September 2025 we received funding for the University of Nebraska- Lincoln (UNL) Sustainable Community project which is designed to help elementary aged youth in Grand Island, NE an opportunity to participate in weekly informal science activities conduct through NE 4-H Youth Development. To begin implementing the program the UNL leadership team held conversations with UNL departments such as the Office of Sponsored Program, Institutional Review Board, finance, and human resources. In June 2024, the PI attended the CYFAR Professional Development event. In September, October and November, we held monthly meetings with Grand Island Public school administrators to discuss program design and implementation. Topics of those meetings included: subject matter content, programming logistics, and needs of youth, families, and the community. In September the UNL leadership team attended parent teacher conferences at the two CYFAR sites (Howard and Dodge Elementary) to introduce ourselves, begin building relationships with youth, families, and school personnel. Additionally, we sought input on programming logistics and content.

Community Integration

Involving Grand Island Public Schools (GIPS) early in project implementation is one way the NE project is working to integrate the community into the project. GIPS school administrators have been co-leading meetings where together we are jointly making decisions on informal science content, programming logistics, and staffing. Additionally, UNL leadership attended parent teacher conferences to introduce ourselves to the community, learn more about the community and seek input from youth and families about their interests and desires in expanded informal science learning opportunities.

Technology Integration

Two members of the UNL leadership team have expertise in creating and writing informal STEM curriculum. Dr. Doug Golick and Dr. Brad Barker worked with the Grand Island Elementary Science Coordinator, Kevin Butters to examine informal science needs of 3rd , 4th and 5th elementary students. Included in their conversations were ways to incorporate various technologies such as computers, tablets, and sensors into content areas such as plant and agricultural sciences and health.

Sustaining

As we started the proposed project, we felt it was important to integrate the Grand Island Public School (GIPS) at the very beginning of project implementation to establish a healthy relationship and start the process of building sustainability. Working with upper GIPS administration helps establish conversation about resources required to implement, maintain, and sustain the program.

Short-Term Results

Long-Term Results