Mission: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County is the outreach branch of the New York State land-grant colleges (Human Ecology and Agriculture) at Cornell University. CCE has five broad initiatives: Empowering individuals and enterprises in agriculture and food systems to thrive; Improving the health, nutrition and safety of community and individuals; Strengthening the economic and social vitality of communities; Developing the competence and character of youth and adults in families and communities; Improving the quality and sustainability of human environments and natural resources. Local Extension programming reflects these areas, and CCE Cayuga can serve as a connection to Cornell for resources needed in the county.

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: 4-H serves youth 5-19 years. It is the youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension and is one of the largest youth programs in the world. It reaches boys and girls in a variety of ways: As members of organized 4-H clubs, as participants in special interest groups and as students in school enrichment programs. There are over 200 projects ranging from clothing & textiles to plants, fitness to natural resources, food and nutrition to safety, woodworking to small and large animals, public speaking to leadership, and many more. 4-H helps young people to learn by doing, learn to help themselves and cooperate with others, develop leadership talents, gain new knowledge, skills and attitudes, explore career opportunities, learn to handle responsibilities, become good citizens, become tomorrow's leaders, share experiences with other members and leaders. Opportunities exist for adults who enjoy youth and are willing to volunteer some time to help them grow. The 4-H staff provides leader training and project materials.

Enhancing the Environment : Both youth and adults achieve a better understanding of the links between personal choices and the effect that these decisions have on the environment. Support is also provided to residents and local communities as a resource for questions related to the environment

Independent Living Skills Program : Offered to adolescent youth currently placed in foster homes to prepare for life after foster care. Includes practical skills such as budgeting, food preparation, etc., as well as necessary social skills such as team and group working skills.

Master Garden Program: Highly trained volunteers provide a help line for county residents providing answers to garden problems. Also provides workshops on such items as pruning, houseplants, etc. Supports environmentally sound gardening practice.

Method of disseminating information : Mass media - radio, newspaper, newsletter - Cornell & USDA Bulletins - Phone (answering questions of individuals calling for specific information) - Working with and through other organizations. Providing information and material, training classes, coordinating programs and efforts. Individual help on limited basis. Speaker's Bureau - Letter Series.

Small Business Program : Educational services offered through classes, workshops, counseling and resource material developed specifically for start-up, existing, homebased and family-operated businesses.

Succeeding In Small Business Series: A 10-week series of classes offered twice a year covering: Business Startup, Marketing, Introduction to Technology, Business Plan Outline, Financials, Advertising, Accounting/Bookkeeping, Insurance and Legal Issues, Selling/Dealing With People. Upon completion of the series, participants are eligible to apply for a low-interest CDBG micro loan through Cayuga County or the City of Auburn.

Topic Specific Workshops : One-day program scheduled periodically to support existing business owners and graduates by expanding their knowledge and skills.

Hours: Mon.- Fri. 7:30am- 4:30pm

Referral: Direct contact

Support: Federal, State, Local funds from Cayuga County and the City of Auburn through the Community Development Block Grant.