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(Millbrook, NY) – Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County has been awarded the full grant amount of $10,000 for the 2023 Northeast Dutchess Fund (NED) Corps Immigrant Support Grant Program. The NEDCorps grant program focuses on supporting immigrant services and programs.
Under the umbrella of the CCEDC 4-H program, 1st and 2nd grade children from immigrant families will be engaged in hands-on activities that enhance their life skills in areas including numeracy, literacy, and citizenship while building connections to their community. The program (which began 2 years ago) runs weekly after school at Wingdale Elementary serving over 40 children per year, and thanks to the new funding will be expanded to offer more activities during the school holidays throughout the year.
“We are delighted to witness the expansion of this initiative through our 4-H program,” said Mary Lou Carolan, Executive Director of CCEDC. “This aligns effectively with our mission to apply knowledge for the promotion of economic vitality, ecological sustainability, and social well-being. We are directly contributing to the thriving of local families and communities within Dutchess County.”
“Nearly 50% of students at Wingdale Elementary School identify as being other than white. 64% are classified as economically disadvantaged,” said Jane Rodd 4-H Program Leader. “The kids we work with are like sponges – they soak up the education we provide and engage wholeheartedly in every activity. It is a privilege to be in a position, thanks to BTCF NEDCorps funds, to support these wonderful young people.”
This project has been supported by a grant from NEDCorps an initiative of the Northeast Dutchess Fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. This initiative seeks to reduce poverty by supporting educational attainment and increasing short- and long-term financial resilience among individuals and families in northeast Dutchess County. This includes the region’s growing immigrant population for which there is a special emphasis on outreach and delivery. Complete information about this initiative and additional resources provided by Berkshire Taconic Community foundation may be found by visiting www.BerkshireTaconic.org.
The program aims to offer weekly after-school sessions for up to 60 children, with approximately 50% being from immigrant families. The success will be measured by accurately recording attendance demographics. The second outcome focuses on enhancing literacy, including cultural, reading, writing, verbal communication, and numeracy skills. The progress will be assessed through the completion of worksheets by at least 92% of participants, showcasing their understanding of topics such as local/national foods, traditions, and behaviors. The third outcome aims to foster an inclusive culture, encouraging mutual respect among diverse youth. This will be evaluated by collecting feedback from children about their feelings toward peers from different cultures, with resulting quotes illustrating the impact.
CCEDC provides diverse programming throughout Dutchess County; administering the Mid-Hudson Clean Energy Hub, Dutchess County 4-H, TasteNY Todd Hill, Dutchess County Master Gardeners, Dutchess County Agriculture Navigator, Green Teen, No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Dutchess, in addition to diverse programming focusing on agriculture, horticulture, youth and families, environment and energy, financial literacy, and nutrition.
Complete information about CCEDC services and resources can be found online: ccedutchess.org or calling 845-677-8223
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