By Andi Anderson
A new Iowa 4-H initiative is helping high school students develop knowledge in agriculture, STEM, leadership, and global food systems through hands-on learning experiences. The STEM AgriVenture program combines agricultural education, international travel, college credit, research projects, and youth-led teaching opportunities to create a unique learning experience.
Developed through partnerships involving Iowa 4-H Youth Development, Iowa State University, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the American Farm School in Greece, the program encouraged students to explore agriculture beyond traditional classroom settings.
Participants spent months researching topics such as food science, environmental science, entrepreneurship, agricultural production, and global food systems before traveling to Greece for an educational experience.
Alexa Groff, Iowa 4-H STEM education specialist and program developer, explained the vision behind the initiative. "We never wanted STEM AgriVenture to simply be a trip to Greece," said Alexa Groff. “We wanted young people to develop expertise, experience agriculture and STEM in a global context, and then bring that knowledge home. The most exciting part is what happens next as these youth become educators and leaders in their own communities.”
During their time in Greece, students visited vineyards, olive groves, honey production facilities, agricultural cooperatives, and the American Farm School.
These experiences allowed participants to learn about food production, value-added agriculture, entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming practices from an international perspective.
Students gained insights into how agricultural businesses create value from local resources. They also explored cooperative business models and learned how community partnerships can support local economic development. Cultural activities, including cooking lessons, local food market visits, traditional dance experiences, and interactions with local residents, helped participants understand the close relationship between food, agriculture, and culture.
Reflecting on one experience, Carly Mullin of Henry County said, "We first went out to the vines to see and talk about the process of making grape leaves. What was neat is, it looked like a winery, but they don't make wine. Their main product is the vine leaves used to make dolmades, but they also use every piece of what they have, making 14 byproducts.”
Participants also studied pollinator biology, food science, environmental systems, and honey production through hands-on activities. Visits to historical landmarks, including the Acropolis and Meteora monasteries, provided opportunities to explore the connections between history, science, architecture, and culture.
The program's educational impact extends beyond international travel. Through Iowa 4-H's Teens as Teachers model, participants are creating approximately 25 educational lessons covering agriculture, engineering, entrepreneurship, food science, environmental science, technology, and Greek culture. Each student will teach lessons in their local communities, allowing the program to reach hundreds of additional youth across Iowa.
Alexa Groff highlighted the long-term value of the experience, stating, "STEM AgriVenture demonstrates what experiential learning can look like when young people are challenged not only to learn but also to apply and share that knowledge."
Students also formed lasting friendships and strengthened leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Lauren Rouse emphasized the program's personal impact, saying, “4-H and participating in Iowa STEM activities have opened so many doors for me. I never would have imagined that the opportunities I received through science and agricultural activities would take me somewhere as amazing as Greece. This trip has truly been an experience of a lifetime, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who encouraged me in my STEM education and helped me get to where I am today.”
By combining global experiences, academic learning, and community outreach, STEM AgriVenture is helping build the next generation of agricultural leaders. As participants return home and teach others, the benefits of the program continue to grow, creating new opportunities for young people to explore STEM, agriculture, and leadership while inspiring future learners across Iowa.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-poike
Categories: Iowa, Education