The Family & Youth Development (FYD) Program Area supports the development of communities (individuals, organizations, and businesses) using the research-base of Cornell University and the National Extension System to strengthen knowledge, skills and awareness in the areas of youth development, science, and technology, and parenting. Successful outcomes are achieved through effective collaborations with partnering agencies and organizations.
Key initiatives include:
4-H After-School Clubs & Special-Interest Groups strengthen youth’s knowledge, leadership/life skills, and community service. 4-H trains youth workers and volunteers to reach youth in community agencies, schools, churches and other organized group settings through Clubs (after-school and in-school), the Youth Leadership Academy, Special Interest Groups, and Independent 4-Hers. New York Life currently funds development of Youth In Governance 4-H clubs in NYC.
The Hydroponics Learning Model (HLM) Program is an intensive, inquiry-based, experiential science curriculum that uses the Nutrient Drip Flow Technique (NDFT) Hydroponics Technology invented and developed at CUCE-NYC. The HLM Program’s teaching strategies are designed to increase students’ understanding of concepts in science and technology as well as increase their skills related to critical thinking, team building, communication and scientific inquiry.
Science &Technology Internship at the Learning Lab serves as a dynamic experiential laboratory for high school-aged youth and adults to learn about scientific processes, methods and technologies to enable their further understanding of science through hands-on approaches. The lab is based at the Food and Finance “New Vision” High School. CUCE-NYC serves as the sponsoring partner for the school and provides development assistance such as the lab and 4-H to date.
College Achievement Through Urban Science Education (CAUSE) is a College-Community Partnership funded by the Teagle Foundation to improve the college readiness skills of minority youth from low-income communities. This project combines environmental studies, research, field study, and community service with intensive college preparatory services.
The CYFAR/ Community Improvement Through Youth (CITY) Project strengthens the capacity of youth workers to engage teens in designing and implementing community improvement projects that strengthen young people’s life skills and benefit the community. CITY uses Youth Community Action as an intentional process to promote civic engagement, workforce preparation, and asset development among youth (13-18 years old).
Advancing Youth Development (AYD) Training and Assets Coming Together (ACT) for Youth are statewide initiatives designed to enhance the youth development knowledge and skills of agency leaders through training and technical assistance. As a member of the NYSAYD Partnership and the NYS ACT for Youth Center of Excellence, CUCE-NYC provides training and support to agency leaders throughout NYC, as well as the state when needed.
CHANCE (Collaborating for Health, Activity and Nutrition in Children’s’ Environments) A nutrition and parenting education obesity-prevention pilot program conducted in collaboration with Nutrition and Health.