Putting Positive Youth Development Research into Practice

  • Date: June 15- August 15, 2023
  • Location: CCE Monroe County
  • Summer Intern: Diya Mandal
  • Faculty sponsor: Kristen Elmore, Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR)
  • Field-based mentor/supervisor:  Susan Coyle, CCE Monroe County
  • Stipend: $6,000
small group of girls looking at art at NYS fair
Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement (PRYDE) Scholars visit the NY State Fair with PRYDE faculty and staff.

This project will support youth well-being and skill development as part of a summer 4-H experience for youth in Rochester, NY. The intern will reside in Rochester and be co-mentored by leaders in the 4-H Program at CCE-Monroe and in PRYDE (Program for Research on Youth Development and Engagement) in the College of Human Ecology. The goals for the project are to successfully lead 1-2 summer programs with adolescents in Rochester that incorporate positive youth development principles into life skills and workforce development activities related to horticulture, food and nutrition, and research literacy. These programs will be informed by campus and CCE partners, and the student intern will support not just the implementation of these programs but their evaluation as well.

Roles and responsibilities 

The student intern will be working at the interface of youth development research and practice. The intern will be supporting summer youth programs in Rochester offered by CCE Monroe. Prior to the launch of these youth programs, the intern will learn about facilitation and program content and theory. The intern will work with the campus PRYDE team to develop program evaluation materials (building upon the 4-H Thrive Model) to assess the impact of summer programs on youth. Then the intern will assist in coordination, program design, and delivery of youth programs with adolescents. 

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to students in Cornell University's College of Human Ecology.

  • Introductory course experience in child development and research methods
  • Bilingual ability (English & Spanish) is a plus, but not required
  • Knowledge or experience in nutrition education or horticulture is a plus, but not required  
  • Ability to connect with youth and parents
  • Interest in supporting youth well-being and skill development 

Learning outcomes 

Through this summer experience, a successful intern will learn to:

  1. Translate positive youth development research into practice with educators and youth
  2. Facilitate research-informed programs with adolescents
  3. Develop evaluation materials to assess the impacts of programming on youth knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors
  4. Communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders that include youth, parents, educators, and researchers