We are excited to announce that 4-H STEM YOUniversity was the recipient of a generous grant from the International Space Station National Laboratory (ISSNL) in partnership with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS). This grant funded an exciting initiative - the "4-H Multi-State Space Exploration Consortium (4-H MSSEC)" program.

Twelve students from across Arizona were selected as 4-H Space Ambassadors to join the first-ever 4-H Mission Command Team. As part of this unique program, the students received extensive training in space, lunar, and planetary science curriculum. Equipped with this knowledge, they facilitated hands-on workshops in their local counties to get youth in their communities excited about space exploration!

The 4-H Space Ambassadors also collaborated with Mission Command Teams from Florida, Illinois, and Indiana to share ideas and workshop activities. In addition, they partnered with the Arizona NASA Space Grant Consortium (AZSGC) and the University of Arizona's Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) club on various space-themed projects throughout the year-long program.

The highlight was undoubtedly attending the 3-day "Go for Launch!" summer camp organized by the nonprofit Higher Orbits. This action-packed camp allowed students to design experiments for the International Space Station and participate in simulated astronaut training and missions. They made friends from across the country who shared their passion for space science and exploration.

Judging from the delighted faces and stellar feedback we received, our 4-H Space Ambassadors had an absolute blast in this program! They gained so much knowledge and so many hands-on skills related to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). We can't wait to see these students continue to thrive and eventually pursue amazing careers in the space industry!