4-H Youth Development
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Youth-to-Youth Literacy Program
Background
The Youth-to-Youth Literacy Project began in the summer of 1990 through the efforts of Professor Scott McMillin, Trustee Joseph Holland and Ujamaa Residential College's Inner City Lab. The program was designed to utilize the creative energy of Cornell students as it promoted literacy in inner city communities. It began with four Cornell student interns working with youth and families in homes, community centers and shelters throughout New York City. Using nutrition as a springboard, the students used innovative strategies to spark youths' interest in reading and writing. The program grew to incorporate literacy in youth designed community action programs.
Above: Interns from the 2005 Youth-to-Youth Literacy program.
Goals
The goal of the Youth-to-Youth Literacy Project is to engage youth in literacy-related activities and community action projects that encourage them to read, write, think critically and recognize the importance of literacy in everyday life. Concurrently, Cornell interns gain real-life experience addressing community problems broadening their exposure to public service issues.
Since 1996, the program has hired up to 14 Cornell interns each summer to work at various sites throughout the city. In 2005, 16 Cornell students and 1 high school student were hired to work on the program. Hundreds of youth have participated over the past 15 years, creating newsletters, videos, creative writing, art and other projects. Cornell University has committed work-study and other resources to the project.
In its fourteenth year, the Youth-to-Youth Literacy Program enhances reading and critical thinking skills in targeted youth, provides activities that strengthen leadership skills, provides positive role models, and demonstrates that higher education is attainable and that one can return to help his/her community.
The Cornell students and 4H interns, most of whom are native New Yorkers, gain as much as they give and learn about public service careers and issues as they prepare to become more engaged citizens.
Funding Sources
Shirley Chiu and the Chiu Family Fund; Cornell University Work-Study Funds, Presidential Literacy Funds.
Collaborators
Community-based organizations in New York City including: The Brooklyn Children's Museum, Directions for Our Youth, FEGS Beacon #43, First Church of God, Fort Hamilton Military Base, Grant Houses, Madison Community Center, New Settlement Apartments, Nuestros Niņos, Phipps Housing, Rockaway Development and Revitalization Corporation (RDRC) @ MS 198, Roots Revisited, Community School District #16 Summer Program, St. John's Family Center and Vernon Avenue Children's School.
Campus Partners
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell Work Study, Public Service Center, Ujamaa, Latino Living Center, Office of Student Employment, Field Studies and other programs