Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s STORY (Science, Technology Opportunities for Rural Youth) Program, in partnership with local libraries, has several new programming opportunities.

Chautauqua County has been providing programming throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past several months, programming has included in-person Exploration Mars classes, and an in-person vermicomposting class. Molly Brown, 4-H youth educator, was able to deliver an eight-week, in-person STEM program at Samuel G. Love Elementary School in Jamestown.

In March and April, 19 Chautauqua County schools and 2,500 students participated in New York State Agricultural Literacy Week. Two of the schools participating held an in-person reading of this year’s book, Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother), written by Viola Butler. The other 17 schools that did not have in-person reading were able to participate in a virtual reading from the Richard Ball, state agriculture commissioner, with virtual farm tours and videos to connect Chautauqua County youth to the dairy industry.

Summer programming is in full effect. 4-H and local public libraries are teaming up to provide a summer reading program called, “Tails and Tales.” Programming for the libraries will include vermicomposting and bat boxes. Youth will learn and see hands-on all about worm farming and how to have a worm farm at home. Youth will also learn about conservation, habits, benefits, and importance of worms and bats in ecosystem and how they affect our food system. Each program will offer research-based education and take-home opportunities. So far, the participating libraries include the James Prendergast Library, Lakewood Memorial Library and the Clymer-French Creek Free Library.

Additional STEM programming this summer will include partnerships with JCC Kids College, Chautauqua Institution, Clymer Central School’s summer program and the 4-H Leaf Jr program.

To learn more about the 4-H youth development programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/Chautauqua or call 664-9502, ext. 214.