The 4-H program, a division under UOG Cooperative Extension & Outreach that teaches skills to Guam's youth toward becoming productive and confident community members, trained its first group of UOG student volunteers on Jan. 20.

The first trainees included 11 members of UOG’s STEM-focused student organizations, including the Chemistry Club, the Biology Club, and the EMC² math club, with future trainings to involve students from the GEMS education club and the Student Government Association.

“Our goal is to get the volunteers comfortable with 4-H’s mission and eventually go out on their own so we can reach more youth,” said Catherine Nguyen, an extension agent who facilitated the training.

Cliff Kyota, shown right, the 4-H program leader for Guam, said this partnership between UOG student organizations and 4-H is beneficial for all involved, as it encourages community outreach and leadership among the UOG student population and gives community youth relatable mentors who are close to their own age.

Catherine Nguyen and her sister, Christina Nguyen, also an extension agent with 4-H, guided the volunteers through what makes a 4-H workshop both educational and engaging and how to incorporate STEM-based lessons.

“Going forward, the volunteers will pick and choose from various workshops,” Catherine Nguyen said. “Eventually, once they are comfortable, they will go out on their own and conduct their own 4-H workshops.”

UOG students interested in volunteering with 4-H can contact guam4h@triton.uog.edu.