CANTON -- The Cornell Cooperative Extension association in St. Lawrence County will begin a new year of programming through After School programs and 4-H clubs for youths ages 5 to 19 beginning on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Cornell Cooperative Extension staff works with school districts, volunteers, small family groups and corporate supporters to provide a diverse range of learning experiences.

After School programs engage nearly 1,000 students across the region.

Programs include a focus on mandated STEM: science, engineering, technology and math education and healthy living.

More than 125 4-H clubs focus on everything from the traditional dairy, horse and small activities to babysitting, birding, music, robotics and woodworking interests.

School programs in St. Lawrence County include 421 children from six school districts as well as the North Wind Afterschool Program at the Extension Learning Farm in Canton, which operates from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on school days.

4-H clubs include 331 youths across 22 countywide clubs.

The Agricultural Studies Academy, which is a partnership between St. Lawrence-Lewis Boces and the CCE, welcomed its first class of high school seniors to the Extension Learning Farm on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Youth interested in participating in After School programs or joining a 4-H club, adult volunteers and corporate sponsors are encouraged to contact the local Cornell Cooperative Extension office at 379-9192.