4-H Futures: Workforce Development for Food Systems Leadership

This CCE intern will spend time creating a flexible, modular statewide curriculum framework through research, virtual collaboration, and youth engagement. This research is rooted in curriculum design for youth leadership and agricultural workforce development. Ultimately, the intern will be contributing to 4-H’s end goal: inspiring the next generation of Food Systems Leaders.

Roles and responsibilities 

The student intern will work closely with CCE and 4-H to support the development of a 4-H leadership training curriculum through research, virtual collaboration, and one in-person/ focus youth engagement opportunity. The project emphasizes curriculum design, applied research, and reflection—culminating in a final presentation and summary report.
 

The student intern will: 

1. Curriculum Research & Framework Design

• Review leadership training materials from CCE camps across NYS.
• Identify best practices and summarize program goals, delivery models, and learning outcomes.
• Draft a flexible, modular statewide curriculum tailored to 4-H camp and youth leadership experiences.

2. Youth Input & Engagement

• Design a short survey or discussion guide to gather youth perspectives on leadership training.
• Conduct virtual feedback collection where feasible.
• Participate in in-person youth engagement session(s) at the NYS Fair (mid-to-late August) to observe and gather youth input directly.

3. Deliverables & Final Presentation

• Prepare a summary curriculum framework with recommendations for future development.
• Draft a brief financial summary outlining estimated costs and resources needed for implementation.
• Create and deliver a presentation for the Cornell internship showcase summarizing internship outcomes, learning, and impact.

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.