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4-H Youth Development & Strengthening Families

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) fosters youth empowerment from Buffalo to New York City and nearly every community in between. CCE educators provide 4-H programming and experiences to over 300,000 children and teens each year. CCE also supports stronger futures for NY families through hands-on parenting workshops, peer support groups, respite events, inter-generational activities, and a deep well of science-based resources. 

To see what programs are offered in your area, visit or contact a local office. 

Featured programs

a child holds a model plane ready to throw it
New York State 4-H Youth Development

4-H is a national organization of associated youth programs and clubs with a broad mission to support kids as they work toward their greatest potential.

a person swings on a rope swing
4-H Camp Program

New York is also home to a unique and robust 4-H Camp Program. Nine independently operated resident camps and six-day camps host over 10,000 youth each summer. Each camp offers a unique environment and experience.

a man with a long white beard stands with two children
Strengthening Families Program

Through the Strengthening Families Program, educators support families in preventing teen substance abuse and behavioral problems by facilitating interactive learning activities for the whole family.

Partner organizations & programs 

Faculty and extension associates in the Cornell University College of Human Ecology support the work of CCE educators by offering a suite of family development curricula and trainings to help educators enhance parent-child relationships and support family development.

Stories

Kimberly Kopko

Multimedia

News

Leading Through Extension: Supporting Families
In the early days of Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology, Extension educators traveled around the state in demonstration trains to engage directly with families, especially farm wives, in their homes. Today, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Associate Director Kimberly Kopko is reimagining ways to meet families where they are with more portable parenting models that bring learning opportunities to spaces where families already get together, including schools, community and health centers, and, when necessary, online.
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
Hand pulling carrot from ground

Multimedia

News

Leading Through Extension: Finding Our Common Humanity
Under Anu Rangarajan’s direction, the Cornell Small Farms Program builds networks and cultivates relationships among new, aspiring, and longtime farmers across the state. During the past year, when staying connected feels harder than ever...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Horticulture Section
Former Farm to School Educator Mollie McDonough stands next to a counter with a 'Farm to School' meal kit.

Spotlight

Farm to School Educator Adapts Lessons To Go
Amanda Henning spent much of 2019 planning a steady cycle of hands-on programming for the 2020-21 school year, including Family Cooking Nights. A free afterschool nutrition initiative for K-6 students at Lockport City School District (LCSD)...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
areal shot of 4-H youth standing in a 4-H configuration

Multimedia

News

Leading Through Extension: Engaging Youth In Trying Times
In this episode of “ Extension Out Loud,” a podcast by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE),  Andy Turner, director of  New York State 4-H Youth Development, shares how the program’s holistic, positive youth development approach is designed to...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
Hungry customers outside a food truck in Buffalo, NY

Multimedia

News

CCE helps Buffalo get school food truck rolling
With a splashy paint scheme designed by a local artist, the “Farm to School to You” food truck – developed with input from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) – will visit sites throughout the city to bring free meals to families in need...
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Food
  • Health + Nutrition