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(Millbrook, NY) –Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) now sports a dynamic 4-H Team to develop and deliver quality youth development programming. Dutchess County currently provides to almost four hundred youth enrolled in the 4-H program; providing essential tools, training, and life skills to further the national 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better.”
Heading up the new team is Carolyn McGraw. Carolyn is the 4-H Youth Leadership & Workforce Development Program Leader for Dutchess County and brings over a decade of diverse 4-H experience as a member and as a professional to the table. When asked what she is looking forward to in Dutchess County, Carolyn quoted, “…connecting with our 4-H families and community partners to strengthen and expand our Dutchess County 4-H program.”
Following Carolyn is Jim Barey, 4-H Program Manager. Jim quoted himself as a “returning transplant” to New York 4-H, as he previously lived and traveled throughout New England and Eastern New York, networking agriculture industry professionals and youth in 4-H and FFA. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from several different state 4-H associations, most notably Maryland and Delaware. Jim will join the rest of the Dutchess County Extension team full-time in July of 2025
Rounding out this enthusiastic team of professionals is Brooke Tibbetts, a Dutchess County 4-H alum. Brooke gained her start in 4-H as a member of the Got Goat Milk 4-H Club when she was 8 years old. Brooke will provide an insider perspective for the Dutchess County 4-H Team and is looking forward to working with the amazing 4-H youth and volunteers for her home county. Brooke will fulfill the role of Dutchess County 4-H Program Coordinator.
With the ever-present devotion to service that is prevalent in 4-H, Carolyn, Jim, and Brooke look forward to the future of Dutchess County 4-H. The new CCEDC 4-H Team will exemplify the 4-H motto of “Making the Best Better” in Dutchess County.
4-H Positive Youth Development in Dutchess County
Dutchess County 4-H is a collection of programs that provide youth, ages 5-19, with the mentoring and support to grow and thrive regardless of their background, interests and abilities.
Positive Youth Development strategies, such as engaging young people in topics that interest them, empowering them to make their own decisions, and providing challenging opportunities, result in youth who have: Confidence, Competence, Caring, Character, and Connection.
These Life and Leadership Skills are the foundations which enable 4-H youth to: succeed as individuals, support their families, strengthen their communities, and make a difference to our world.
4-H empowers nearly six million young people across the US with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Learning through 4-H is fun and effective; children learn life and technical skills through hands-on learning in topics of their choice. The Dutchess County 4-H Club Program has evolved from its rural agricultural roots. While we are proud of our strong agricultural programs, we are excited to provide other outlets for youth to explore and grow in, such as arts, crafts and technology. Embracing differences and welcoming diversity, 4-H offers a place for all Dutchess County youth to grow and thrive.
Want to learn more about the 4-H Positive Youth Development programs of CCEDC? Please visit our website: ccedutchess.org/youth-4-h.
About Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC)
CCEDC provides diverse programming throughout Dutchess County, including agriculture, horticulture, youth and family services, environmental and energy initiatives, financial literacy, and nutrition. Key programs include the Mid-Hudson Clean Energy Hub, Dutchess County 4-H, Taste NY at Todd Hill, Green Teen, No Child Left Inside (NCLI), and the Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP).
Connection, Collaboration, Community: that's how CCEDC is Growing Forward! For more information on CCEDC’s programs and services, visit ccedutchess.org or call 845-677-8223.
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