The Arc Mower County and Mower County 4-H will offer a six-week “Engineer – It!, an adventure club program geared toward area youth with special needs who will be able to attend sessions for hands-on fun that focuses on science, engineering and technology.

During the after-school sessions, youth between the ages of 12 and 21 are invited to come to the Arc and help create and test different fun creations that utilizes STEM-based skills.Some of the creations include a marshmallow catapult, balloon cars and paper bridges, said Mower County 4-H Program Coordinator, April VonRuden. There will also be refreshments.

VonRuden noted that the idea was borne from a program conducted in Freeborn County

Dawn Helgeson, executive director at Arc Mower County, said the program will be fun, but will also provide for youngsters in an age group who do not always have activities.

VonRuden agreed, adding that the Arc’s goals are ones held by 4-H that include “positive, out-of-school experiences” that utilize learning by doing that strengthens critical thinking, VonRuden said.

The sessions begin on April 18; subsequent session are April 25; May 2, May 9, May 16 and May  23. All sessions will be held at the Arc, 401 Second Ave. NE (directly east of the Senior Center).

A full listing of activities include:

•Balls and tracks (building a roller coaster)

•Film canister rocket

•Balloon cars

•Marshmallow catapult

•Paper bridges

•Foam gliders

There will be a short, informational welcome session on the first night for parents.

Parents are also invited to a celebration during the last session on May 23.

To register, go to: office@thearcmc.org or visit: www.thearcmc.org

The sessions are open to the first 15 participants; a minimum of five are required.

Deadline to register is April 6.