AmeriCorps
4-H STEM Corps AmeriCorps
Who we are
The 4-H STEM Corps AmeriCorps program strengthens communities by engaging youth across Idaho in 4-H out-of-school programs. These programs help young people build essential life skills and form meaningful relationships with positive adult role models while exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
Through hands-on learning, youth develop critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills that prepare them for future workforce opportunities. AmeriCorps members serve statewide, delivering STEAM education in out-of-school programs hosted by UI Extension offices and partner organizations.
The 4-H STEM Corps AmeriCorps program focuses on rural communities by selecting host sites in Idaho’s counties and isolated areas. Most sites are UI Extension offices, which share the university’s research and resources to benefit local communities. Additional host sites include youth-serving organizations with similar missions to support Idaho youth.
Members serve in positions based on program length: full-time (FT), half-time (HT) and quarter-time (QT). They design and deliver STEM activities aligned with youth interests, fostering life skills and personal growth.
AmeriCorps members are vital to expanding and improving programming, addressing the need for non-formal STEM education. They teach career and life navigation skills, such as educational experiences that foster interpersonal communication, self-management, decision-making and teamwork through engaging activities, ensuring youth ages 5 and up receive at least six hours of STEM exposure for positive outcomes as supported by Youth Engagement Attitudes and Knowledge Study (YEAK). Members help implement the 4-H Thriving Model, which promotes experiential learning and key developmental outcomes such as academic achievement, social competence, personal responsibility and connection with others.
Member roles and responsibilities
The goal of our members is to expand hands-on STEM activities that help youth develop essential life skills. Through these experiences, members have the opportunity to present a wide range of topics, including innovative programs like LEGO® robotics.
As our 4-H STEM Corps program coordinator, Natasha T., explains: “Youth think they are just playing with LEGO, but they’re really learning how to be better people.”
Members' service term is dedicated to the following activities:
- Planning and delivering STEAM lessons for youth ages 5 and up.
- Using personal interests and passions to create engaging, hands-on activities.
- Teaching various STEM topics, from science and technology to engineering and art.
- You will get real work experience in teaching kids of all age groups.
- You will have professional development training and grow as career-wise.
Upon completing their required service hours, members earn an education award that can be applied toward tuition at any Title IV college or other approved educational expenses. Members also receive a living allowance, paid biweekly during their term of service.
If you’re passionate about STEM and youth development, we invite you to apply for open positions in your area.
Apply today
Quotes from members
"Why I serve is because education empowers. One of my favorite classes to teach is a skillet cooking class. It's awesome to watch the students grow. On the first day, they are very hesitant and can't believe I'm actually letting them cook something. I let them do most things on their own, and I can tell this is a new experience for most of them. I think it's really important to let them try things on their own because they learn through experience and exploration. By the end of the week, they are much more confident, and I can tell they feel more capable. One of the teachers I work with said she received emails from parents with photos of their kids cooking the recipes at home after our class. This is a perfect example of how education empowers.” —By 3x member served with University of Idaho Extension, Madison County
“My favorite thing to teach this so far has been 3-D printers. The kids love learning about them and always want to use them to make new projects. Before Christmas I did a unit teaching the kids how to make Christmas ornaments. Each of the kids got to create their own ornament to take home for themselves or their family.” —By 2x member served with Hardwood Elementary School
“I serve because... I want others to experience the opportunities I had while growing up. If it weren't for the caring individuals and amazing opportunities, I wouldn't have had the chance to grow as an individual. Now, I want to do my part in contributing back.”—By 2x member served with University of Idaho Extension, Valley County
Interested in hosting a 4-H STEM Corps AmeriCorps member?
Hosting a member allows your organization to expand programming and focus on other priorities while the member delivers STEM education and positive youth development.
Host sites pay a program fee based on the member’s service term. University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development handles recruitment, onboarding, training, data collection, timesheets and member exit processes — saving you time and resources.
History of AmeriCorps — 4-H STEM Corps
AmeriCorps is a national service program dedicated to strengthening communities through volunteerism. University of Idaho Extension recognized a growing need for STEAM education across Idaho, particularly in rural and remote areas where resources are limited.
To meet this need, UI Extension launched the 4-H STEM Corps AmeriCorps program, providing trained members to deliver high-quality STEM education and positive youth development. Since its inception, the program has expanded to serve more communities and support additional youth programs statewide.