Some 80 high school seniors from the New York and New Jersey areas -- including many who self-identify as students of color -- and their parents got an up close and personal look at Cornell admissions and campus life for minority students in New York City, Nov. 12.

"Multicultural Perspectives at Cornell University," one of several multicultural programs held throughout the fall in various cities, was held at the New York Life Building and hosted by Cornell University Cooperative Extension-New York City (CUCENYC)'s 4-H Youth Development Program. The group heard about Cornell's colleges, campus and student life and research opportunities. Angela Herrera, coordinator of multicultural recruitment in the Undergraduate Admissions Office, also reviewed the admissions process and financial aid. Most of the students attending were either children of New York Life Foundation staff or part of CUCENYC's 4-H Youth Development Program, of which the New York Life Foundation has been a major supporter.

4-H is the youth development system of CUCE. The informal experiential youth education program draws on university research and resources, and reaches youth in schools, community agencies, and in neighborhoods via clubs, teen leadership programs, special interest groups, and volunteers. CUCE-NYC youth development projects include programs in family and youth development of which 4-H is a major initiative, nutrition and health, and the urban environment to develop competencies and skills in youth ages 8-19 through age-appropriate activities.

"For the past three years the New York Life foundation has supported the development of 'Youth In Governance 4-H clubs," said Lucinda Randolph-Benjamin, NYC extension Aasociate. "These clubs have been involved in opportunities that develop leadership skills, get youth civically engaged and connect youth to service learning. Many of these clubs have been involved in projects such as healthy living and media literacy and have attended state and national conferences on career exploration and citizenship."

The 2008 three-year, $1.6 million grant from the New York Life Foundation, in partnership with the National 4-H Council, is being used to create 90 additional New York Life Youth in Governance 4-H Clubs in Cleveland, Minneapolis and New York City. The project, which targets both youth and adults, support each in developing the skills and knowledge to be effective leaders and involved citizens.

The grant also is expanding 41 existing New York Life Youth in Governance 4-H Clubs in Ithaca and Atlanta, and provides 360 full and partial scholarships for youth and adult volunteers from all 131 New York Life Youth in Governance 4-H Clubs to attend 4-H's Citizenship Washington Focus, a week-long civic leadership program held each summer in Washington, D.C.

"Since its inception, 4-H has placed emphasis on the importance of young people being engaged, well-informed citizens," said Randolph-Benjamin. By connecting to their communities and leaders, youth understand their role in civic affairs and are able to expand their role in the decision-making processes. It's clear that civic engagement provides the foundation that helps youth understand the big picture of life and learn the skill sets that will allow them to become wise leaders for the 21st century."