Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine and Waukesha 4-H Positive Youth Development programs (PYD) teamed up for a career exploration day at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) on Feb. 16.
Sixty-five youth in grades 6-11 chose to join 4-H PYD on their day off of school to learn more about MATC and career options. Youth rotated between workshops including culinary arts, biotechnology, robotics and photography.
In culinary arts, youth met culinary students, toured the kitchen spaces, tried freshly made foods including ice cream, and learned about the process to become a culinary student.
At the Biotechnology Lab, they extracted DNA from strawberries and made DNA bracelets. The robotics professor offered insight into turning an interest in robotics into a lucrative career utilizing the affordable path MATC provides.
High school students explored how STEM is embedded into photography, including experimentation with light and camera settings and utilizing digital editing tools.
At lunch, youth experienced life as an MATC student as well, ordering and eating lunch in the main cafeteria. Not only were the youth able to explore careers and learn new things, multiple youth made new friends and are excited to connect again at other 4-H PYD opportunities.
The collaboration with MATC was made possible through the enthusiasm of the Dean of STEM Academic and Career Pathway and MATC’s overall excitement to welcome youth on campus. The youth rated their overall experience participating in activities at MATC as a 4.3 out of 5!
Here are youth in various workshops throughout the day:
