WVU Extension staff told the Kanawha County Board of Education on Nov. 3 that their third-base after-school STEM and 4‑H programming has reached nearly 2,000 children between 2020 and 2025 and is projected to serve more than 560 students in 2025.

Jocelyn Crawford, a 4‑H extension agent, said the program provides in-school enrichment and after-school STEM lessons for kindergarten through fifth grade, with topics ranging from historical context lessons (Fort Duquesne and George Washington-themed activities) to hands-on engineering projects like simple catapults. ‘‘We evaluate all the kids in grades 3, 4, and 5, and we have found consistently since 2020, over 90% of those kids that do our end of unit assessment report liking science and learning new things about science,’’ Crawford told the board. She added that more than 80% reported enjoying math and over half said they were interested in a job that uses math or science.

Nick Crawford, who delivers in-person activities at multiple third-base sites, described session length and formats: most sites receive at least three hours per visit of hands-on STEM instruction, and summer camp remains a major focus. Carrie Cart, a WVU Extension agent for family and community development, introduced the presenters and noted coordination with community-education staff.

Presenters said staffing has recently expanded: Abby Roy, a new hire from the University of Kentucky Extension, will focus on community after-school programs, and Bridget Phillips was identified as a returning local after-school coordinator. The presenters described partnership with local centers, county community-education staff and schools to reach students where they attend.

Board members asked about program origins and scale; presenters traced the work to a 2019 VISTA initiative and described steady expansion of site coverage and services. No board action was required at the meeting; presenters said they appreciate the district’s support and will continue working with community partners to expand access.