A push from a national level to get youth more involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is being taken up locally.

The STEM push comes from research that would lead you to believe the United States has fallen behind in these areas from the rest of the world, and is working to get young people more interested in these areas. Sherry Fulton helps lead the 4-H program of DeWitt County and she indicates one of their special interest clubs, or SPIN clubs, is their robotics club and it is increasing in popularity.

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Fortunately for DeWitt County students, the area has a couple of excellent leaders to take the reigns on the program and Fulton says that is a good thing because there is plenty of interest locally.

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It's not too late for a student wanting to be a part of the robotics SPIN club, contact the University of Illinois Extension office at 217-935-5764.