Steven M. Worker

Steven Worker

4-H Youth Development Advisor

Ph.D. Education (Learning Sciences), University of California, Davis. 2016.
M.S. Community Development, University of California, Davis. 2007.
B.S. Computer Science, California Polytechnic State University. 2001
A.A. Liberal Arts, Allan Hancock College. 1998
Educational research; design and research of out-of-school (informal) learning environments; positive youth development; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education

Scholar and leader with nearly 25 years of experience advancing youth development, informal science learning, volunteer development, and organizational capacity building through UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (Cooperative Extension System). My work integrates applied research and community education, curriculum development, evaluation, and cross-sector partnerships to expand equitable learning opportunities for young people and families primarily during out-of-school time. 

4-H Youth Development Advisor, San Francisco North Bay (Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties; since 2016)

Dr. Worker leads applied research and extension education focused on culturally relevant youth development, STEM learning, volunteer development, and equitable access to high-quality out-of-school-time learning. This work includes leadership of North Bay Science Discovery Day and initiatives such as Tinker Academy, Ag from Above x Ag for All (drone education), ResilientRoots climate justice, creating the iCode curriculum that unites computational thinking with positive ethnic-racial identity, guiding youth participatory action research, developing the sustainable polymer curriculum, studying the long-term impact of California 4-H on its alumni, and Imagine Science Sonoma-Napa collaborative. Through consultations, workshops, field demonstrations, and publications, he equips educators to deliver high-quality, inquiry-based learning and strengthens the region’s STEM ecosystem. His work consistently demonstrates new knowledge, increased educator competence, and more equitable youth participation, fulfilling the Cooperative Extension mission of improving community well-being through research, education, and service. Across all programs, he designs programs that honor culture and community, strengthen youth identity and belonging, and reduce barriers to participation for groups historically underserved in STEM. Read more about these projects at the UC Science Connect website. 

Temporary part-time appointments concurrent with this role included: 

  • Healthy Families and Communities Strategic Initiative Leader (2023-2025)
    Provided academic leadership, representing and integrating work across youth development, nutrition and health, community development, and related applied research and extension programs. Served on UC ANR Program Council, supported cross-program coordination, and helped advance strategic priorities related to thriving communities, equity, health, and youth and family well-being.
  • Interim Assistant 4-H Youth Development Program Leader (2022-2024)
    Provided statewide program leadership during a period of strategic renewal and organizational transition. Led the refresh of the UC 4-H Strategic Plan 2023–2028, contributed to statewide program alignment, and strengthened connections between county delivery, applied research, volunteer development, and statewide priorities.
  • Chair (2022) and Co-chair (2023) Academic Advancement Peer Review Committee
    Led and facilitated the academic peer review process for advancement cases. Coordinated committee workflow and contributed to the integrity of ANR’s academic process.

Previous Experience

4-H Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Academic Coordinator (2009-2016)
Provided statewide leadership for the California 4-H STEM Initiative, strengthening the capacity of 4-H staff, volunteers, and partners to deliver high-quality science, engineering, and technology learning. Coordinated professional development, curriculum development, program evaluation, resource development, and statewide STEM partnerships. Led or contributed to science education curricula, evaluation studies, grant-funded initiatives, and professional learning systems that supported inquiry-based and experiential STEM education across California 4-H.

State 4-H Program Coordinator (2001-2009)
Developed, coordinated, and evaluated statewide 4-H youth development programs in youth leadership, technology education, recognition systems, and major statewide events including the 4-H State Leadership Conference. Supported volunteer and staff development, managed program logistics and communications, contributed to statewide 4-H program infrastructure, and helped implement systems that strengthened youth participation, leadership pathways, and program quality across California 4-H. Developed 4-H Information System to support 4-H applications (ASP.NET).

California 4-H Alumni (1991-1999)

Worker is a 4-H alumni from Santa Barbara County. He served as a 4-H All Star (1996-1998; 4-H County Ambassador), earned his Emerald Star (1995), was a 4-H camp counselor, attended the 1998 National 4-H Conference, and served as a State 4-H Diamond Star (1998-1999; renamed now as "4-H State Ambassador"). In 1998, Worker co-founded the 4-H Technology Leadership Team, a group of youth and adults working to integrate technology into 4-H programming. 

University Service

  • Science Literacy & Critical Thinking Program Team Chair (2019-2027)
  • Publications Editorial Board (2026-2027) - Youth, Families, and Communities Program Area
  • Academic Peer Review Committee (2025-2027)
  • Academic Assembly Welfare & Benefits Committee (2024-2027)

Professional Affiliations

Honors and Awards

Public Service and Affiliations

  • Current Issues in Out-of-School Time Book Series (since 2021) - Shares original research, practitioner insights, and policy analysis on themes relevant to out-of-school time learning, primarily in the United States context. Books are relevant for scholars, practitioners, funders, and policy makers, while centering youth agency and advancing theory, evidence, and practical wisdom in the field. 
  • Sonoma County Office of Education's Cal-Math/Science/Computer Science Project (2024-2026)
  • Journal of Youth Development Associate Editor (2023-2027)
  • Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County (2021-2024)
  • The Nature Lodge Board of Directors (2018-2026): To inspire, encourage and educate environmental stewards of today, for a more sustainable future.

Bibliography

Youth participatory action research

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning

  • Worker, S. M., Nayak, R., & Smith, M. H. (2026). 4-H Sustainable Polymers curriculum strengthens youth scientific literacy. California Agriculture: The Journal of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, 80 (June). https://doi.org/10.3733/001c.162704.
  • Worker, S. M., Nayak, R., & Moncloa, F. (2024). California 4-H computer science education pathway. Journal of Extension, 62(1). https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol62/iss1/9/
  • Worker, S., McCambridge, J., Stevenson, A., Fields, J., Maille, A., Meehan, C. L., Mondl, A., Malone, C., & Smith, M. H. (2022). Sustainable polymers: New 4-H STEM curricula. Journal of Extension, 60(1). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.01
  • Worker, S. M. (2019). Development of an artifact-based evaluation framework for assessing 4-H learner outcomes. Journal of Extension, 57(1). https://www.joe.org/joe/2019february/rb2.php
  • Worker, S. M., Schmitt-McQuitty, L., Ambrose, A., Brian, K., Schoenfelder, E., & Smith, M. H. (2017). Multiple-methods needs assessment of California 4-H science education programming. Journal of Extension, 55(2). https://www.joe.org/joe/2017april/rb4.php
  • Smith, M. H., Worker, S. M., Ambrose, A. P., & Schmitt-McQuitty, L. (2015). Including civic engagement as a component of scientific literacy. Science Education and Civic Engagement: An International Journal, 7(2), 23-27.
  • Smith, M., Worker, S. M., Ambrose, A., & Schmitt-McQuitty, L. (2015). Scientific literacy: California 4-H defines it from citizens’ perspective. California Agriculture, 69(2), 92-97. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v069n02p92
  • Lewis, K., & Worker, S. M. (2015). Examination of attitude and interest measures for 4-H science evaluation. Journal of Extension, 53(3). https://joe.org/joe/2015june/rb4.php
  • Worker, S. M., Mahacek, R. L., Wheeler, T. D. M., & Frerichs, S. W. (2015). Engineering for everyone: 4-H’s Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum. In C. I. Sneider (Ed.), Engineering Curricula PreK-5: Choosing and Using the Best Instructional Materials for Your Students (pp. 191-202). Corwin.
  • Worker, S. M., & Smith, M. H. (2014). Curriculum and professional development for OST science education: Lessons learned from California 4-H. Afterschool Matters, 20, 21-27. https://www.niost.org/Afterschool-Matters-Fall-2014/curriculum-and-professional-development-for-ost-science-education-lessons-learned-from-california-4-h
  • Worker, S. M. (2014). Design-based learning in a community-based youth program: Affordances for youth learning and development. In Polman, J. L., Kyza, E. A., O'Neill, D. K., Tabak, I., Penuel, W. R., Jurow, A. S., O'Connor, K., Lee, T., and D'Amico, L. (Eds.), Learning and becoming in practice: The International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS) 2014, Volume 3. International Society of the Learning Sciences.
  • Worker, S. (2014). Bers’s theory of positive technological development. Journal of Youth Development, 9(1). https://jyd.pitt.edu/ojs/jyd/article/view/80/66
  • Worker, S. M. (2013). Embracing scientific and engineering practices in 4-H. Journal of Extension, 51(3). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.51.03.04
  • Worker, S., & Mahacek, R. (2013). 4-H out-of-school-time STEM education. Children’s Technology and Engineering, 18(2), 16–20.
  • Smith, M., Heck, K., & Worker, S. M. (2012). 4-H boosts youth scientific literacy with ANR water education curriculum. California Agriculture, 66(4), 158-163. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v066n04p158
  • Worker, S. M. (2012). History of science education in the 4-H Youth Development Program [Monograph]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://4-hhistorypreservation.com/eMedia/Reports/CA4H_135384.pdf
  • Mahacek, R., & Worker, S. (2011). Extending science education with engineering and technology: Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum. In A. Subramaniam, K. Heck, R. Carlos, & S. Junge (Eds.), Advances in youth development: Research and evaluation from the University of California Cooperative Extension 2001–2010 (pp. 46–57). University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Youth development with an emphasis on diversity and equity

  • Worker, S., Moncloa, F., & Mitchell-Hawkins, V. (2024). Integrating computer science education and ethnic-racial identity exploration within a social justice youth development framework. Journal of Youth Development, 19(3). https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol19/iss3/1
  • Worker, S. M., Fábregas Janeiro, M. G., & Schmitt-McQuitty, L. (2021). Latino volunteerism in the 4-H youth development program. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 9(3), 206-219. https://www.jhseonline.com/article/view/1125
  • Worker, S. M., Janeiro, M. F., & Lewis, K. (2020). Youth in 4-H Latino Initiative programs achieve similar outcomes to youth in 4-H community clubs. California Agriculture, 74(1), 40-45. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2019a0027
  • Worker, S. M., Fábregas Janeiro, M. G., Díaz Carrasco, C. P., & Soule, K. E. (2019). University of California 4-H Latino Initiative: Experiences of bicultural and bilingual staff. Journal of Youth Development, 14(3), 31-44. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2019.667

4-H Youth Development

  • Worker, S. M., Nayak, R., Iaccopucci, A. M., & Marshall-Wheeler, N. (2025). Early adult outcomes of 4-H program alumni: A propensity-matched comparative study. Journal of Youth Development, 20(3). https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol20/iss3/3
  • Marshall-Wheeler, N., Nayak, R., Iaccopucci, A. M., & Worker, S. M. (2023). Long-term outcomes of early adult 4-H alumni. Journal of Extension, 61(2). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.02
  • Lewis, K. M., Kok, C. M., Worker, S. M., & Miner, G. (2021). Exploring the relationship between program experience and youth developmental outcomes. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 9(3), 68-106. https://www.jhseonline.com/article/view/1137
  • Worker, S. M. (2020). Complexity in 4-H youth enrollment: A response to Davy et al. (2020). California Agriculture, 74(3), 127–128. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2020a0025
  • Worker, S. M., Iaccopucci, A. M., Bird, M., & Horowitz, M. (2019). Promoting positive youth development through teenagers-as-teachers programs. Journal of Adolescent Research, 34(1), 30-54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558418764089
  • Neelon, M., Brian, K., Iaccopucci, A. M., Lewis, K. M., & Worker, S. M. (2017). Development of a health survey instrument for 5- to 8-year-old youths. Journal of Extension, 55(1). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.01.02
  • Lewis, K. M., & Worker, S. M. (2016). Youth and adult perceptions of a new technology in California 4-H: The Online Record Book. Journal of Youth Development, 11(2). https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol11/iss2/6
  • Lewis, K. M., Horrillo, S. J., Widaman, K. F., Worker, S. M., & Trzesniewski, K. (2015). National 4-H common measures: Initial evaluation from California 4-H. Journal of Extension, 53(2). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.53.02.07
  • Worker, S. M. (2014). Evaluating adolescent satisfaction of a 4-H leadership development conference. Journal of Extension, 52(2). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.52.02.09 

Public speaking

  • Nayak, R., Worker, S. M., & Marshall-Wheeler, N. (2025). Youth public speaking self-efficacy survey tool. Journal of Extension, 63(1). https://open.clemson.edu/joe/vol63/iss1/6
  • Worker, S. M., Nayak, R., Meng, Y., & Marshall-Wheeler, N. (2023). UC 4-H programs bolster youths’ public speaking confidence. California Agriculture, 77(1), 30-35. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2023a0003
  • Marshall-Wheeler, N., Meng, Y., & Worker, S. M. (2022). Exploring public speaking self-efficacy in the 4-H presentation program. Journal of Extension, 60(4). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.04.12

Volunteer educator development

  • Worker, S. M., Espinoza, D. M., Kok, C. M., Go, C., & Miller, J. (2020). Volunteer outcomes and impacts: The contributions and consequences of volunteering in 4-H. Journal of Youth Development, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2020.847
  • Kok, C. M., Espinoza, D. M., Worker, S. M., Go, C., & Miller, J. C. (2020). Identification of priority skill areas for volunteer professional development. Journal of Youth Development, 15(4), 51-67. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2020.876
  • Schmitt-McQuitty, L., Worker, S. M., & Smith, M. H. (2019). Lesson study model of 4-H professional development: Data-driven improvements to educator practice. Journal of Youth Development, 14(1), 131-154. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2019.693
  • Smith, M. H., Worker, S. M., Schmitt-McQuitty, L., Meehan, C. L., Lewis, K. M., Schoenfelder, E., & Brian, K. (2017). Prevalent approaches to educator professional development in state 4-H programs. Journal of Extension, 55(4). https://www.joe.org/joe/2017august/rb2.php
  • Worker, S. M. (2017). Volunteer educators bring their own ideas about effective teaching to a 
    4-H curriculum. California Agriculture, 71(4), 208-213. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2017a0021
  • Ching Young, J., Manton, L. M., Worker, S. M., & Martin, A. C. (2014). Effective, efficient online training in Cooperative Extension. Journal of Youth Development, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2014.51

Extension theory and methods

  • Worker, S. M., Soule, K., Koundinya, V., Lyons, A., Oppliger, K., Obrist, D., & Smilowitz, J. (2025, April 9). University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources employees’ use and perception of generative artificial intelligence: Survey results from data collected October to December 2024 [Internal report]. University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucdavis.box.com/s/p95elrvdlvsioyda35kkbwc8c3zzhhiq
  • Worker, S. M., Ouellette, K. L., & Maille, A. (2017). Redefining the concept of learning in Cooperative Extension. Journal of Extension, 55(3). https://www.joe.org/joe/2017june/a3.php
  • Smith, M., Worker, S. M., Meehan, C., Schmitt-McQuitty, L., Ambrose, A., Brian, K., & Schoenfelder, E. (2017). Defining and developing curricula in the context of Cooperative Extension. Journal of Extension, 55(2). https://www.joe.org/joe/2017april/a4.php
  • Worker, S. M., Hill, R. D., Miller, J. C., Go, C. G., & Boyes, R. J. (2015). Exploring the effectiveness of a retreat method for Extension staff. Journal of Extension, 53(6). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.53.06.12 

Curricula - Environmental

  • Bird, M., Dixon, T., Marshall-Wheeler, N., & Worker, S. M. (2022). 4-H Water Wizards: Guided inquiry water education for grades 4–6. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-science-connect/4-h-water-wizards
  • NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers. (2022). Sustainable polymers: Confronting the plastic crisis: A 4-H STEM curriculum for grades 9–12. University of Minnesota. https://www.4hpolymers.org/
  • Henderson, J., Mondl, A., Stevenson, A., & Worker, S. (Eds.). (2020). Sustainable polymers: Taking action to solve the challenge of plastics: A 4-H STEM curriculum for grades 6–8. Center for Sustainable Polymers. https://www.4hpolymers.org/
  • Keaney, A., & Worker, S. (2020). Service learning. In Stevenson, A., McCambridge, J., & Mondl, A. (Eds.), Sustainable polymers: Plastics of the future for a green, clean world. A 4-H STEM curriculum for Grades 3-5. Center for Sustainable Polymers. https://www.4hpolymers.org/
  • Horrillo, S. J., Bird, M., & Worker, S. M. (Eds.). (2019). Camp activities with a science twist: Enhancing your camp program with fun STEM experiences. Healthy Learning. https://www.acacamps.org/book/camp-activities-science-twist
  • Worker, S. M., & Henderson, J. (2017). Be a 4-H scientist! Materials in a green, clean world: 4-H polymer science curriculum for grades K–2. NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers. https://4hpolymers.org
  • Smith, M., Worker, S. M., et al. (2010). There’s No New Water! National 4-H Council. https://shop4-h.org/products/water-conservation-curriculum-theres-no-new-water

Curricula - Engineering and robotics

  • Worker, S. M., Moncloa, F., Ullerich, C., & Soule, K. E. (eds.). (2025). iCode Curriculum: Identity exploration through computer science for middle school youth. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Maryland Extension. https://4hicode.org
  • Worker, S. M., Hogan, S., Caeton, N., Rodriguez, M., Lyons, A., & Audoin, F. (2025). SkyMappers: Agricultural drones and GIS mastery. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. http://agfromabove.org/
  • Mahacek, R., Worker, S. M., & Mahacek, A. (2011). 4-H robotics: Engineering for today and tomorrow – Junk drawer robotics. National 4-H Council. https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-science-connect/junk-drawer-robotics 

Curricula - Youth leadership

  • Worker, S. M., & Miner, G. M. (2025). iGrow. Thriving in science. Facilitator guide [2nd ed.]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H Youth Development Program.
  • Worker, S. M., Miner, G. M., & Horrillo, S. J. (2013/2023). iChampion/iThrive: Leadership, science & me. 4-H leadership development project. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources [2013]; National 4-H Council [2023]. https://ucanr.edu/site/uc-science-connect/ithrive-leadership-science-me  

Toolkits, fact sheets, and other educational materials

  • Worker, S. M., & Moncloa, F. (2025). STEM and social justice youth development. National Urban Research and Extension Center. https://nurec.extension.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/STEM_A1.pdf
  • Marshall-Wheeler, N., Miner, G., Worker, S. M., Kok, C. M., Espinoza, D., & Miller, J. (2023). The UC 4-H volunteer educators’ guide: For volunteers facilitating 4-H educational experiences. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8724.pdf
  • Smith, M., Worker, S. M., Meehan, C., McCambridge, J., Maille, A., Malone, C., Mondl, A., & Stevenson, A. (2023). Comparisons of professional development approaches for out-of-school time educators. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/Details.aspx?itemNo=8725
  • Worker, S. M., Kok, C. M., Vega, L., Moncloa, F., Fábregas Janeiro, M., & Gunn, M. (2022). Welcoming culturally diverse youth into 4-H: A handbook for 4-H professionals. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8714.pdf
  • Worker, S. (2021). Online learning fact sheet for the 4-H Youth Development Program: Supporting productive educator practices for out-of-school time (ANR Publication 8697); Promoting positive youth development (ANR Publication 8698); Integrating experiential education into the digital realm (ANR Publication 8699). University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
  • University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. (2020/2021). University of California 4-H presentation manual. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://ucanr.edu/sites/default/files/2021-03/346386.pdf
  • Fábregas Janeiro, M. G., Worker, S. M., Soule, K. E., & Mariscal, D. (2019). Toolkits for engaging Latino youth in 4-H programs (ANR Publication 8640). University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8640.pdf