About 4-H STEM YOUniversity

Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators

Overview

Arizona’s 4-H STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Program aims to provide:

Hands-on problem-based learning activities that fosters a collaborative inclusive nurturing environment for youth to thrive and explore STEM.
Collaborations with the 4-H state office leadership, County 4-H Agents/Coordinators, 4-H STEM Leaders/Volunteers, School Teachers and or AmeriCorp members
Unique opportunities for youth from across the state to discover STEM in meaningful culturally relevant engaging hands-on problem-based learning STEM activities that promote team building, communication skills and cultivates confidence in our youth.
Encouragement and inspiration to our diverse youth to pursue STEM careers they find fulfilling while at the same time contributing to Arizona’s and Americas STEM workforce.

Instructors

Elizabeth "Betsy" Wilkening

Betsy is a learner, engineer, educator, environmentalist, volunteer, wife, mom, and activist. Her career has spanned jobs in industry, preK-12 classroom teaching, teacher professional development, outreach education, and community engagement. As a teacher, she had the opportunity to work and visit the Arctic, which led to her becoming a founding member and now president of Polar Educators International. Betsy is a 5th generation Arizonan whose ancestors first occupied lands of the Tohono O’odham and Yaqui people in Tucson under the Mexican flag. She loves introducing engineering to students, and ROVs are so much fun!

Andrés "Andie" Astra

Holding a Master of Arts in Art and Visual Culture Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Illustration and Graphic Design from the University of Arizona, Andrés seamlessly integrates creativity with analytical rigor. As a Technology Consultant at the Arizona 4-H State Office and Instructional Tech Coordinator at the College of Education, he excels in deploying state-of-the-art instructional technologies and optimizing learning management systems. In the 4-H STEM YOUniversity program, Andrés plays a pivotal role in shaping curriculum content, leveraging his expertise in cross-reality (XR) teaching. Through his courses, he fosters tactile integration by seamlessly blending 4-H's hands-on learning approach with cutting-edge digital tools. Andrés employs data-driven insights to refine hybrid and asynchronous learning programs, ensuring an enriching educational experience that marries innovation and practical, hands-on learning. In his downtime, Andrés caters to his three rabbits and gardens.