Three youth learn about food together

4-H Youth Development

4-H is open to all youth aged 5-to-18 who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world.

About 4-H: 4-H is America’s largest youth organization, empowering six million young people nationwide. This program is carried out through Cooperative Extension. For over 100 years, 4-H has served young people through the support of volunteers and educators, allowing youth to explore their interests, learn new skills, and connect with their communities. Over the years, 4-H has evolved, but its goal of serving young people and families through positive youth development remains the same. 

Interest Areas: The possibilities of 4-H are truly endless, and what you do as a 4-Her is up to your interests. In general, 4-H interest areas include Agriculture & Animal Programs, STEM, Civic Engagement, Healthy Living, and Creative & Theatre Arts. Additionally, Essex County is piloting a 4-H mentoring program intended to build connections between local youth and adults within these areas of interest. 

Interested in enrolling as a 4-H'er or as a 4-H volunteer? Learn more about enrollment here. 

Citizenship

Civic engagement is the broadest mission mandate; it incorporates youth voice, leadership, respect, history, community youth development, SET, and Healthy Lifestyles. 

Healthy Lifestyles

"Choose Health" is an initiative of the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program intended to help all of us confront and take action to change the statistics of childhood obesity.  

STEM

4-H Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects  give families science enrichment opportunities and connect kids to Cornell’s science outreach programs. 

Essex County Fair

4-H youth in Essex County have an opportunity to share and showcase the projects they've been working on all year at the Essex County Fair. The public is invited to come and see their static exhibits in the small animal barn from 10 AM to 7 PM, daily. 

The 2026 fair is from July 29 through August 2. 

4-H Youth Development Staff

Max Longware, 4-H Educator
Max Longware
4-H Educator
msl289@cornell.edu
518-962-4810 ext. 4402
Ellie Hoffman
Ellie Hoffman
Community Vitality Resource Educator
emh257@cornell.edu
518-962-4810 ext. 4405
Mina Weymouth-Little
Mina Weymouth-Little
4-H & Horticulture Educator
mcw252@cornell.edu
518-962-4810 ext. 4416
woman on a mountain
Venice Aureli
4-H & Local Food Educator
vra25@cornell.edu
518-962-4810 ext. 4406

Main Contact

Max Longware

4-H Educator
jry34 [at] cornell.edu (msl289[at]cornell[dot]edu)
518-962-4810 X 4402

Connect with 4-H