About Us

Welcome to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County!

Since 1913, Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (CCE-Tompkins) has responded to the needs of local residents with unbiased, research-based information, tools and education that people have come to depend on and trust. Our programs are developed in direct response to community input, and are based on the most current information available from Cornell and other Land Grant universities from across the nation.

The goal of Cooperative Extension is to enable people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. Extension staff and trained volunteers deliver education programs, conduct applied research, and encourage community collaborations. Our educators connect people with the information they need on topics such as commercial and consumer agriculture; nutrition and health; youth and families; finances; energy efficiency; economic and community development; and sustainable natural resources. Our ability to match university resources with community needs helps us play a vital role in the lives of individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Tompkins County.

CCE-Tompkins is part of the Cooperative Extension land grant system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments that is administered in New York State through Cornell University. Each county's Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer, governed by an elected Board of Directors, and is responsive to county government with general oversight from Cornell University. All associations work to meet local needs as well as state and national goals. 

CCE-Tompkins is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and is considered under New York State’s County Law Section 224 subsection 8 as a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York.

We have an extensive system for getting input from diverse interests in the community, and we welcome your ideas and involvement in our efforts. If you are interested in how CCE-Tompkins sets policies and program priorities, or if you'd like more information on how to get involved, please get in touch with the contact listed below.

Visit us at:

CCE Tompkins Education Center
615 Willow Avenue
Ithaca, New York 14850-3555

Hours:

8:00 am-4:00 pm, Monday-Friday

Last updated December 3, 2024