Cooperative extension was originally designed to extend the agricultural research base of land-grant colleges, and continues as a partnership between local and state governments and the federal Department of Agriculture. The program began as a pilot in Ithaca, NY in 1991 and grew thereafter to include more sites in New York state. Partners Several groups work together on the program in each local community. Retailers offer internships and provide most of the funding for the program, in particular the costs of the distance education curriculum, which is purchased from the Cornell Distance Education office. Local high schools provide the facilities and teachers for the program.
Community colleges connect with the program to make a seamless transition to college.
Cooperative Extension professionals in each community provide local coordination and facilitation, including training of teachers and mentors. Other community entities also work more broadly in support of the program in each local area. In addition, Cornell University Cooperative Extension office, in partnership with the Distance Education program, provides national coordination. Student Selection Students are recruited for the program as sophomores in high school and then participate as juniors and seniors. Although the program is promoted broadly, it is aimed at motivated students who are intent on careers in management.