Cornell Research & Curricula Projects

Mentoring Young Women and Minorities to Expand STEM Careers in Food and Agriculture in New York State’s North Country Region and Beyond

This project aims to provide educational opportunities that increase the number of interested and qualified female and minority students from rural areas of New York State (NYS), starting with the North Country Region, to fill agriculture and food systems jobs in the STEM workforce. This project promotes activities that advance equal opportunity for women and underserved minorities through a collaboration with professionals in academia and local businesses. This project will deliver the following outcomes: (1) Develop an innovative 4-H youth development program and curriculum to support students from diverse backgrounds in grades 8-11 to learn about STEM career pathways in agriculture and food industries; (2) Connect students with local industry leaders and experts in NYS through experiential learning activities; and (3) Attract and recruit students from underserved and underrepresented communities by providing support for program participation and engaging them in robust discussions that resonate with their interests.

Youth-Friendly Community Assessment and Planning: With and For Young People

Cornell’s DECALab, in collaboration with The Parenting Project (CCE), is launching a multi-year project in Summer/Fall 2024 to engage NY youth (12-16) in assessing the youth-friendliness of their communities, with a focus on public recreation and green spaces. Youth will use a specialized toolkit to evaluate their environment and develop Youth Action Plans for improvements. The project also includes parent focus groups to explore attitudes and barriers to youth outdoor engagement. 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, in collaboration with the Community Schools program at LaFargeville Central School, is leading this project to enhance a youth green space. Partnering with the LaFargeville Youth Commission, the goal is to add a basketball court, pickleball court, lighting, fencing, benches, and more. The youth are actively involved in the planning stages, with the project expected to begin this spring. For more information on this project, please contact Amy Zukas: asw247@cornell.edu or 315-788-8450 ext. 254

Last updated February 26, 2025