New York State’s 4-H Youth Development program joins the BCTR

September 9, 2011

New York State’s 4-H Youth Development program joins the BCTR

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization and the youth component of Cooperative Extension. When it was founded, most young people lived in rural areas, where 4-H is still strong; 4-H is also well-established in cities and suburbs. In addition to the well-known club program, 4-H supports after-school and in-school programs and an array of special interest groups and events. The 4-H program has been moved into the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR) to strengthen its research base. While continuing to rely on research-based content in such areas as animal science and human nutrition, 4-H will gain a firmer grounding in research on youth development. Translational research includes the incorporation of research results into practices and programs but also the engagement of 4-H educators, volunteers, and youth in conducting research in their communities to strengthen 4-H. In the BCTR, 4-H will benefit from associating with other youth development initiatives, including ACT for Youth, Advancing Youth Development, and the Cornell Youth in Society Program.