All applications for employment with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County and other county extension associations must be submitted through the Cornell University Employment system (see information at left). We do post available job and internship opportunities on this page when they become available, with links to the Cornell website, for your convenience.
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The CCE Youth and Family development team provides the space and time for families to garden together. Gardening provides a natural transition in work-life balance. The 2026 garden season will incorporate building parenting skills by creating opportunities for parents to model responsibility, cooperation, and problem-solving, fostering children's confidence and connection to nature and healthy food. Through shared activities in the garden, parents can guide youth in developing essential life skills like planning, time management and accountability. Gardens provide a shared space for parents to connect with their children, parents, and other community members by building a stronger social support network.
The student intern’s role will be to integrate gardening with guided family activities, parenting skills, as well as provide physical and nutritional opportunities. The role will require the student to participate in hands-on physical work as in any active garden setting (soil prep, planting, weeding, harvesting, simple meal/ snack prep), planning and implementing lessons, activities and events alongside Youth and Family Team members. The intern can expect to be an integral member of the team involved in administrative tasks, community outreach, helping with community events and other educational program support components. Program logistics, child-focused activities, parent interaction and communication are included in the intern’s duties.
The selected intern should embrace this opportunity as an introduction to Cornell Cooperative Extension where the goal is to improve individuals, families, and communities in Clinton County through partnerships, experience and research-based knowledge to work in the hands and the hearts of our people. The students will develop educational strategies to reach a broad and diverse audience of youth and adults. Anticipated student interns’ project outcomes would include developing positive guidance strategies, understanding cultural parenting roles, promoting self-confidence in children, and improving social-emotional skills like patience and communications. Interns would gain practical skills in civic engagement, community building and an appreciation for diverse cultures through shared gardening and food practices. Student interns can expect to gain practical gardening skills, enhanced leadership and teamwork abilities, a deeper understanding on STEM concepts, improved communications, confidence, career exploration, and problem-solving skills as well as an increased appreciation for healthy food and sustainable practices.
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Linda Gillilland
Executive Director
llg46@cornell.edu
518-561-7450
Last updated January 23, 2026