About Us
The Cooperative Extension System was formally established with the passage
of the federal Smith Lever Act in 1914 with a county, state and federal
cooperative funding government partnership. Today, through a partnership
with USDA, Cornell University, Broome County Government, and other funders,
CCE-BC addresses critical and emerging issues for individuals, families
and communities.
Extension of research knowledge through learning partnerships is the
foundation of the Smith Lever Act preamble that states the purpose of extension
work, “to aid in diffusing among the people of the United State useful and
practical information on agriculture, home economics and subjects relating
thereto and to encourage the application of the same."
Today, CCE-BC’s educational outreach programming -- in family and youth
development, agricultural profitability, nutrition and food safety, environment
and labor force enhancement -- is still true to its core purpose and mission
established at the beginning of the 20th century. CCE-BC education outreach
programs are responsive to new research findings, and the social, technological,
economic and/or political changes that cause us to look at and respond to
situations differently today than yesterday and differently tomorrow than
today. As society and community issues become increasingly complex, decision
making and problem solving skills become increasingly important. CCE-BC
educational outreach programs focus on helping constituents evaluate alternatives,
assess risks and ask the right questions to solve their problems.
