The Youth Technology Building was a vision of the U.P. State Fair to include interests of all students across the Upper Peninsula from the ages of nine to eighteen and to give them the opportunity to showcase their agricultural knowledge using state of the art technology. This project would create an awareness of the diversity of agriculture/agribusiness in the Upper Peninsula, promote team building, problem solving skills and creativity, acquaint students with the need for technological literacy and increase public knowledge and understanding of agriculture/agribusiness. Many partnerships were formed to complete this vision.

	Michigan State University-Delta County Extension joined in at the first steps of planning, organizing and structuring of this project and remains involved in continuing the projects growth and development
	A proposal was submitted to International Paper to assist in purchasing the needed equipment. The Youth Technology project was provided funding to purchase a new iMac, one Sony Digital Handycam Camcorder, two HP Digital Still Camera’s, a microphone, and a Formac Studio (to allow students to submit in VHS format and transfer to digital). International Paper also sent us five refurbished Pentium Two computers and a cash commitment to continue the equipment purchases for the following year.
	The Michigan Department of Agriculture  awarded Livestock Grant grant dollars to this project to assist in signage, supplies and editing software.
	With the project well underway, technical advice was needed. Sue Belanger from the Technology Department of the Escanaba Public Schools  was contacted. Her input and participation was crucial to the success of this first year. The Escanaba School District not only provided five Apple computers, projectors and printers, but also the staff to set it up and service it throughout the week. Ms. Belanger organized adult and student volunteers to staff the building throughout the week of the fair.
	An anonymous private foundation provided funding for the cash prizes that were awarded to the winning exhibits and participation ribbons for each entry.
	Additional sponsors of this building were
	Delcomp/Softek
	CellularOne