(NewsUSA) – For almost a decade, there has been a dramatic shift by educators to increase kids’ interest in careers in science, technology, engineering and math fields (STEM).

In fact, one of America’s largest youth-development organizations (it’s been around for almost 115 years), 4-H, along with HughesNet, the leading satellite Internet service provider, are throwing their collective weight behind 4-H Grown — an interactive campaign that invites the estimated 25 million 4-H alumni across the U.S. to help direct sponsorship funding to their state by checking in at www.4-h.org/4hgrown/, tagging friends, and casting votes to bring more science innovation experiences to youth in their communities.

Through 4-H Grown, the two organizations hope to bring STEM learning experiences to youth across the country, including small communities where resources for interactive learning may be limited.

“In our first year of partnership, National 4-H Council and HughesNet helped thousands of young people experience the excitement of STEM, [and] I am thrilled that our new 2015 program will engage even more young people and expand our reach to 4-H alumni to show STEM can be rewarding and fun,” says Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council.

The partnership is also giving a $10,000 “Innovation Incubator” Science Sponsorship to the state with the largest number of votes. This sponsorship is new and requires youth across the nation to design innovative science solutions to solve real community challenges. States compete to receive a science sponsorship. Additionally, two young innovators will be selected to receive an all-expense-paid trip to the flagship 4-H National Youth Science Day event in Washington, D.C., where they will participate in the world’s largest youth-led science experiment.

“Exposing thousands of children to the excitement of STEM is priceless,” says Mike Cook, senior vice president, Hughes North America Division. “We’re thrilled to continue our work with 4-H to make a difference in kids’ lives.”