Innovative Pathways to Biotechnology Careers: Youth Engagement Through 4-H Clubs and Interactive Games

Youth interest in STEM careers is closely linked to early exposure, hands-on learning, and relevance to real-world applications (Maiorca et al., 2021; Spyropoulou et al., 2020). Biotechnology, a rapidly growing sector, offers high-demand career opportunities but remains underrepresented in youth programming. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned to address this gap through community-based learning experiences that foster scientific literacy and workforce development. This project aims to increase youth awareness and preparedness for biotechnology careers through a USDA-funded FANE (Food and Agriculture Nonformal Education) workforce development grant. The objectives are to: Engage youth in a biotechnology-focused 4-H club model; Develop educational games to build biotech knowledge and career awareness; and Integrate industry partnerships and workforce connections into youth programming. We piloted a 4-H biotechnology club for middle and high school students, emphasizing hands-on labs, mentorship, and career exploration. In parallel, we developed an educational game, Dr. Eugene’s Biotech Lab, using narrative-based play and problem-solving to simulate real biotech scenarios. A second game is in development, informed by evaluation data and youth feedback. Preliminary data indicate increased youth interest in biotech and STEM careers. Participants report on an enhanced understanding of concepts such as DNA extraction and CRISPR technology. Educator feedback supports the use of games to reinforce complex topics in an engaging, accessible format. This work demonstrates the potential of combining youth development principles with interactive learning to create scalable, equitable pathways to STEM careers. Future plans include game refinement, broader dissemination, and deeper integration with industry partners.