PRYDE presented for the first time at the annual CCE System Conference on March 25, 2020. The CCE System Conference is a series of virtual workshops and presentations that focus on exciting topics related to CCE Strategic Plan priorities. These themes include enhanced organizational communication, strengthened campus-county connections, diversity funding, and creating a culture of innovation. Members of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Systems from all over New York join together in discussion and debate regarding the latest updates on CCE Systems programs and opportunities.

Representing PRYDE, Dr. Kristen Elmore and program assistant, Esther Kim, gave a presentation titled “Can a Website=Collaboration? PRYDE Connect offers one example for doing just that.” The session introduced attendees to PRYDE Connect, a new online networking platform designed by PRYDE to support collaboration efforts between youth development researchers and practitioners. The website aims to perform three main functions: 1) identify research collaboration opportunities for both faculty and practitioners, 2) communicate existing research opportunities to CCE educators, and 3) gather information about the research interests and needs of CCE educators to inspire projects and funding. A total of 33 practitioners joined Kristen and Esther for the webinar and provided feedback regarding their first impressions. Attendees shared ideas and brainstormed about the diverse ways the website could be utilized as a tool for enhancing collaborative efforts as an innovative information-exchange and communication platform.

Reflecting on the presentation, Kristen said, “Taking part in a webinar presentation was a great way to feel connected to the CCE community during this time of social distancing. We were able to get some helpful feedback about the PRYDE Connect website, and I hope that some of our attendees will be among the first to join when we launch the website formally.”

Upon completion of the conference, PRYDE is reviewing feedback from participants and planning a more formal launch of the website to the CCE community for registrations. For an early sneak peak, we invite you to create a profile and begin searching for youth development research collaboration opportunities at https://prydeconnect.bctr.cornell.edu/.