Steven M. Worker PhD

4-H Youth Development Advisor

Cooperative Extension Marin County
1682 Novato Boulevard
Suite 150-B
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 761-1020
smworker@ucanr.edu

http://cemarin.ucanr.edu

http://4h.ucanr.edu/

Also in:
Sonoma County
Napa County
Program Council
Youth, Families, and Communities Statewide Program

Biography

4-H Youth Development Advisor, San Francisco North Bay (Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties; 2016 to present)
Dr. Steven Worker leads extension education and applied research in youth development focusing on informal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and computer science education. His research emphasis is the adaptation, piloting, and evaluation of informal STEM youth development programs that incorporate culturally relevant practices to engage culturally diverse youth. Dr. Worker empowers young people through consequential STEM and computer science learning and supports volunteer educators in enhancing their teaching methods to improve program quality.

Recent projects include:

strengthening the North Bay's STEM learning ecosystem (through the North Bay Science Discovery Day science expo; Imagine Science partnership between 4-H, Sonoma YMCA, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa; and Tinker Academy).
youth participatory action research.
iCode-strengthening computational thinking and positive ethnic-racial identity through computer science education curriculum development
programs to boost high school students' college readiness through mentorships with college students and professionals.
programs and research to cultivate 4-H partnerships with expanded learning organizations.
curriculum to help youth learn about reducing environmental impacts of petroleum-based plastics (sustainable polymers).
conducted a study of California 4-H alumni.

New projects include:

agricultural-use-case uncrewed aircraft systems (drones) curriculum development (Ag from Above x Ag for All [AFA2]).
environmental and climate justice with middle school students (ResilientRoots).

Programmatically, Dr. Worker provides academic leadership to 4-H clubs, summer camps, college readiness and expanded learning partnerships. These programs are facilitated by 600 adult volunteers and serve over 3,000 youth.

UC ANR Healthy Families and Communities Strategic Initiative Leader (November 1, 2023 to December 31, 2026)
Provide leadership for healthy family and community efforts, program teams, and workgroups, to improve communication, help unify, and advocate to promote the science and impact of the work of UC ANR. Convene a strategic initiative panel and serve on program council.

Previous Professional Experience

Interim Assistant 4-H Youth Development Program Leader for the California 4-H Strategic Plan (October 2022 to August 2024)
Dr. Worker facilitated the revision, activation, and assessment of the UC 4-H Strategic Plan 2023-2028. Reviewed strategic themes and goals, prioritized actions, and developed metrics to assess progress. Convened teams to complete deliverables.

4-H Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Coordinator (2009-2016)
Worker managed professional and volunteer development for science educators, coordinated program and curriculum development and evaluation, and resource development. His work drew upon inquiry and experientially-based pedagogies grounded in a positive youth development approach. Worker co-authored two nationally peer-reviewed and published curricula, There’s No New Water! and Junk Drawer Robotics, along with a California curricula, iThrive: Leadership, Science & Me!

State 4-H Program Representative (2001-2009)
Worker provided leadership to the 4-H State Leadership Conference, 4-H State Ambassador program, 4-H Record Book, 4-H Technology Leadership Team, and other statewide 4-H adolescent leadership development and recognition programs.

4-H Alumni
Worker is a 4-H alumni from Santa Barbara County (1991-1999). 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

Healthy Families & Communities Strategic Initiative Leader (2023-2026)
ANR Peer Review and Publications Associate Editor
ANR Science Literacy Program Team Chair (2019-2025)

Professional Affiliations

Fellowship

National Urban Reserach and Extension Center - 2023-2024 Research Fellowship - Computer science education curriculum development to support computational thinking and positive ethnic-racial identity

Other Service and Affiliations

North Bay Science Discovery Day (Chair: 2019-2025): To spark curiosity for STEM learning (annual science festival).
Current Issues in Out-of-School Time Book Series Publication Board (2021-2026)
Journal of Youth Development Associate Editor (2023-2025)
Child Care Planning Council of Sonoma County (2021-2024)
The Nature Lodge Board of Directors (2018-2024): To inspire, encourage and educate environmental stewards of today, for a more sustainable future.

Education

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

Awards

4-H Golden Clover Award (Special Events) - State Public Speaking & Communications 4-H Advisory Committee
Presented by University of California 4-H Youth Development Program, 2022
Scholar Award (for Outstanding Research) – Out-of-School Time Special Interest Group
Presented by American Educational Research Association, 2022
Diversity and Inclusion: Expanding the 4-H Audience Team Award
Presented by National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, 2021
Meritorious Service Award
Presented by National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, 2018
Distinguished Service Award
Presented by National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, 2014
Achievement in Service Award
Presented by National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, 2006
Distinguished Alumni Award
Presented by Allan Hancock College, 2000

Specialty

Educational research; design and research of out-of-school (informal) learning environments; positive youth development; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education

Areas of Expertise (click to see all ANR academics with this expertise)

Bibliography

Peer Reviewed

Nayak, R., Worker, S., & Marshall-Wheeler, N. (in press as of May 24, 2024). Youth public speaking self-efficacy survey tool. Journal of Extension.
Worker, S. M., Nayak, R., & Moncloa, F. (2024). California 4-H computer science education pathway. Journal of Extension, 62(1). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.62.01.09
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., & Marshall-Wheeler, N. (2024). Out-of-school time educator fact sheet series [Curriculum]: (1) Science festivals: Very short science engagement; (2) Making and tinkering; (3) Youth participatory action research; (4) Environmental education; (5) Computational thinking; and (6) Public speaking. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://doi.org/10.3733/WYWJ6784
Smith, M.; Worker, S.; Meehan, C.; McCambridge, J.; Maille, A.; Malone, C.; Mondl, A.; Stevenson, A. (2023). Comparisons of professional development approaches for out-of-school time educators [Curriculum]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://doi.org/10.3733/ucanr.8725
Worker, S. M., Miner, G. M., Horrillo, S. J. (2013/2023). iChampion: Leadership, science & me. Adult volunteer guide: 4-H leadership development project [Curriculum]. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources [2013]; National 4-H Council [2023]. https://shop4-h.org/products/ithrive-ichampion-facilitators-kit

Worker, S. M., Miner, G. M., Horrillo, S. J. (2013/2023). iThrive: Leadership, science & me. 4-H leadership development project [Curriculum, youth workbook]. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources [2013]; National 4-H Council [2023]. https://shop4-h.org/products/ithrive-leadership-science-and-me
Marshall-Wheeler, N., Nayak, R., Iaccopucci, A., & Worker, S. (2023). Long-term outcomes of early adult 4-H alumni. The Journal of Extension, 61(2). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.61.02.02
Marshall-Wheeler, N., Miner, G., Worker, S., Kok, C. M., Espinosa, D., & Miller, J. (2023). The UC 4-H Volunteer Educators’ Guide: For volunteers facilitating 4-H educational experiences [Curriculum]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://doi.org/10.3733/ucanr.8724
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
Worker, S. M., Espinoza, D., Kok, C. M., Neas, S., & Smith, M. H. (2023). Youth participatory action research: Integrating science learning and civic engagement. California Agriculture, 77(2), 74-82. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2023a0009
Worker, S. M., Neas, S., Espinoza, D., Kok, C M., & Smith, M.n (2023). Youth science learning as/for community participation: Examples from youth participatory action research. Journal of Youth Development, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.34068/JYD.18.01.03
Marshall-Wheeler, N., Meng, Y., & Worker, S. (2022). Exploring public speaking self-efficacy in the 4-H presentation program. The Journal of Extension, 60(4). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.04.12
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. The Journal of Extension, 60(1), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.60.01.01
Worker, S.; 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 [Curriculum]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://doi.org/10.3733/ucanr.8714
Lewis, K. M., Kok, C. M., Worker, S., & Miner, G. (2021). Exploring the relationship between program experience and youth developmental outcomes. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, 9(3), 68-106. https://doi.org/10.54718/YKAF2288
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://doi.org/10.54718/FNTY6389
Worker, Steven (2021). Integrating experiential education into the digital realm. Online learning fact sheet for the 4-H youth development program [8699]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://doi.org/10.3733/ucanr.8699
Worker, Steven (2021). Promoting positive youth development. Online learning fact sheet for the 4-H youth development program [8698]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://doi.org/10.3733/ucanr.8698
Worker, Steven (2021). Supporting productive educator practices for out-of-school time. Online learning fact sheet for the 4-H youth development program [8697]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. https://doi.org/10.3733/ucanr.8697
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
Worker, S. M., Espinoza, D. M., Kok, C. M., Go, C., Miller, J. C. (2020). Volunteer outcomes and impact: The contributions and consequences of volunteering in 4-H. Journal of Youth Development, 15(4), 6-31. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2020.847
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), 148-150. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2019a0027
Worker, S. M. (2019). Development of an artifact-based evaluation framework for assessing 4-H learner outcomes. Journal of Extension, 57(1). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.57.01.14
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
Worker, S. M., Iaccopucci, A. M., Bird, M., & Horowitz, M. (2019). Promoting positive youth development through teens-as-teachers programs. Journal of Adolescent Research, 34(1), 30-54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558418764089
Fabregas janeiro, M. G., Worker, S. M., Soule, K. E., & Mariscal, D. (2019). Toolkits for engaging Latino youth in 4-H programs [Curriculum]. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources [8640]. https://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8640.pdf
Worker, S.M., Fabregas Janeiro, M. G., Diaz 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
Horrillo, S. J., Bird, M., & Worker, S. (Eds.) (2018). Camp activities with a science twist: Enhancing your camp program with fun STEM experiences [Curriculum]. Healthy Learning (American Camp Association). https://www.acacamps.org/book/camp-activities-science-twist
Smith, M., Worker, S., 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://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.02.22
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 youth. Journal of Extension, 55(1). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.01.02
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
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://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.02.10
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://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.04.17
Worker, S. M., Ouellette, K. L., & Maille, A. (2017). Redefining the concept of learning in Cooperative Extension. Journal of Extension, 55(3). https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.55.03.27
Worker, S. M. (2016). Examining tensions among youth, adults, and curriculum as co-designers in 4-H STEM learning through design programs. In C. K. Looi, J. L., Polman, U. Cress, P. Reimann (Eds.), Transforming Learning, Empowering Learners: The International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS) 2016, Volume 1 (pp. 322-329). Singapore: International Society of the Learning Sciences. https://repository.isls.org/handle/1/132
Worker, S. (2016). Volunteer educators’ influence on youth participation and learning in 4-H STEM learning by design programs [Doctoral dissertation, University of California, Davis). PQDT Open (10165795) https://www.proquest.com/openview/4cd4bccb6eb2ac40804877c814bb135c/
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://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2016.447
Lewis, K., & Worker, S. (2015). Examination of attitude and interest measures for 4-H science evaluation. Journal of Extension, 53(3). https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol53/iss3/26/
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://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol53/iss6/12/
Smith, M.H., Worker, S.M., Ambrose, A.P., & Schmitt-McQuitty, L. (2015). Including civic engagement as a competent of scientific literacy. Science Education and Civic Engagement: An International Journal, 7(2), 23-27. https://new.seceij.net/articletype/pov/including-civic-engagement-scientific-literacy/
Lewis, K., Horrillo, S., Widaman, K., Worker, S., & Trzesniewski, K. (2015). National 4-H Common Measures: Initial evaluation from California 4-H. Journal of Extension, 53(2). https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol53/iss2/7/
Smith, M., Worker, S., 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
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://niost.org/Afterschool-Matters-Fall-2014/curriculum-and-professional-development-for-ost-science-education-lessons-learned-from-california-4-h
Worker, S. (2014). Design-based learning in a community-based youth program: Affordances for youth learning and development. In J.L. Poman, E.A. Kyza, D.K. O’Neill, I. Tabak, W.R. Penuel, A.S. Jurow, K. O’Connor, T. Lee, & L. D’Amico (Eds.), Learning and Becoming in Practice: The International Conference of the Learning Sciences (ICLS) 2014 (Vol. 3, p. 1762). Boulder, CO: International Society of the Learning Sciences. https://archive.isls.org/conferences/icls/2014/downloads/ICLS%202014%20Volume%203%20(PDF)-wCover.pdf
Chin 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), 58-65. https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2014.51
Worker, S., Mahacek, R., Wheeler, T., Frerichs, S. (2014). Engineering for everyone: 4-H’s Junk Drawer Robotics curriculum. In C. Sneider (Ed.), The Go-To Guide for Engineering Curricula PreK-5: Choosing and Using the Best Instructional Materials for Your Students (Ch. 13, pp. 191-202). Corwin. https://www.sagepub.com/hi/cam/book/go-guide-engineering-curricula-prek-5
Worker, S.M. (2014). Evaluating adolescent satisfaction of a 4-H leadership development conference. Journal of Extension, 52(2). https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol52/iss2/9/
Worker, S.M. (2013). Embracing scientific and engineering practices in 4-H. Journal of Extension, 51(3). https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol51/iss3/4/
Smith, M., Heck, K., & Worker, S. (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. (2012). History of science education in the 4-H Youth Development Program. Monograph. University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources. http://www.ca4h.org/files/135384.pdf
Mahacek, R., Worker, S. Mahacek, A. (2011). 4-H robotics: Engineering for today and tomorrow - Track 2: Junk drawer robotics. [Curriculum] National 4-H Council. https://shop4-h.org/products/junk-drawer-robotics-curriculum-1-give-robotics-a-hand
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. https://ucanr.edu/sites/UC4-H/files/342138.pdf
Smith, M., Worker, S. et al., (2010). There's no new water! [Curriculum]. National 4-H Council. https://shop4-h.org/products/water-conservation-curriculum-theres-no-new-water
Worker, S. M. (2007). Factors influencing risk perception: A housing development case study [Master's thesis, University of California, Davis]. UC Davis Shields Library, General Collection LD781.D5j 2007 W675.