Engaged Opportunity Grants
Rural Storytelling Project
Conducting multimedia, written and oral storytelling workshops with 4-Hers in Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia and Green counties
The rural-urban divide is deeply felt in Ulster County, New York, and its surrounding communities. The ecological, historical, agricultural and cultural history and diversity of Ulster and surrounding counties offers a fascinating window into this divide. The region is also experiencing another uptick in interest, and Lonely Planet named the Catskills the #2 destination to visit in the world in 2019. With this increased interest comes both deepening divisions and new possibilities.
Through the Rural Storytelling Project, Cornell students are partnering with Cornell Cooperative Extension county associations staff to make sure multi-faceted stories are told about the latest chapter in the region’s history. The Cornell students engage 4-Hers in multimedia, written and oral storytelling workshops. Each youth participant ends the summer by sharing a story about an element of life in their community during a virtual showcase.
Read more and listen to a CCE podcast about the Rural Storytelling Project.
Topics: Arts, Communication, Media and Design; Culture, Language and History; Economic Vitality and Entrepreneurship; Education
The Team
- Melanie Forstrom, Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Matt Helffrich, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
- Mary Lou Guiliano, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
- Community partner: TMI Project
- Community partner: Cornell Cooperative County of Dutchess County
- Community partner: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Green Counties
- Community partner: Stockade Works
Engaged Opportunity Grants
Supporting a wide range of community-engaged learning projects, from student leadership programs and partnership building to events and conference travel. Open to all faculty and staff.