Workforce Development

Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County's horticulture program is committed to supporting Monroe County residents who are experiencing unemployment or underemployment.  We accomplish this through several workforce development programs in partnership with community gardens, local businesses, and our own South Lawn Project. 

• The Gaining Relevant and Outstanding Work Skills (GROWS) Program is geared towards young adults, 18-26, who come from underserved areas, and who may face barriers to employment. The South Lawn Project (SLP) involves the development of an educational farm on a half-acre at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Monroe County office, on Saint Paul Boulevard. Utilizing work on the farm through a transitional jobs program, and horticulture education, we will teach young adults how to grow vegetables, help them understand the power of fresh produce as they deliver harvests to local food cupboards, and, at the same time, help them build structure in their daily lives and develop the soft skills they need to be successful employees. By working side-by-side with CCE Monroe staff, the participants will gain daily mentoring to help them embrace these lessons. The end goal is to help them secure steady employment.

The  South Lawn Project is an educational urban farm and garden.  It is a transformation of CCE-Monroe's half-acre lawn into a working urban farm. Features include display gardens, handicap accessible raised beds, and outdoor classroom space. This farm will be used for community experiential learning, workforce development programs, youth development, nutrition education, and more. Impacting Lives Through The South Lawn Project - Spectrum News highlighting the South Lawn Project and Workforce Development.

The GROWS program provides paid job training and career connections

2022 Cornell Intern, Nika Colley, shares her experience with our Workforce Development Program.

Last updated April 8, 2025