4-H ThriveLab - partnership invitation and RFP due March 25

Are you interested in engaging young people in leadership and community action in agriculture and food systems?

4-H ThriveLab is designed to provide youth, especially those with limited access to agriculture and food system programming, hands-on opportunities to explore leadership, career pathways, and food systems through an out-of-school program model.

NYS 4-H is looking to partner with 3 CCE Associations in this program – 2 who are new to 4-H ThriveLab and 1 returning partner.

Requirements/Deliverables

As part of 4-H ThriveLab, you will engage middle and high school youth in:

• Experiential food systems exploration learning activities, including participating in at least 6 field experiences (farm visits, food processing tours, food distribution hubs, and agri-businesses, etc.)

• Experiential leadership development 

• A youth community action project - identifying a critical food system need in their community and developing a solution-driven project. 

• Delivering a capstone presentation at a statewide showcase event (such as the NYS Fair, 4-H ThriveLab in Albany, or Grow-NY Youth Competition)

Funding

• New partners: $60,000 maximum

• Returning partners: $40,000 maximum

Timeline

• RFP Due: March 25

• Awards Announced: April 1

• Programming period of performance: May 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027

Learn more and share your interest here.

Please let Alexa know if you have any questions.