From Sparks to Innovation: 4-H Youth Explore Advanced Manufacturing

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (December 16, 2025) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Program is excited to share that local 4-H youth recently took part in an immersive workshop at Jamestown Community College’s Manufacturing Technology Institute. This hands-on experience introduced participants to the technologies shaping today’s manufacturing industry.

During the workshop, youth worked directly with advanced tools and processes, including welding, CNC machining, and digital design. They constructed a steel tape dispenser using a welding robot, fabricated a mandrel on a CNC lathe, and explored CNC milling techniques by designing and engraving custom keychains.

The experience also included additive manufacturing, where participants used SolidWorks and a Bambu 3D printer to transform digital models into physical parts.

This program gave Chautauqua County 4-H youth the chance to experience modern manufacturing and to explore potential technology careers available in today’s industry. It reflects 4-H’s goal of helping youth explore future opportunities, understand emerging technologies, and make informed choices as they grow into successful adults.

The young participants were enthusiastic and expressed that they really enjoyed their experience. Many shared that this opened their eyes to new career possibilities and gave them a better understanding of skills needed to pursue them. They also learned about classes offered at JCC’s Manufacturing Technology Institute that can help them develop those skills for future careers.

For more information on the 4-H Programs for youth ages 5-19, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension phone (716) 664 9502.

The 4-H Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is 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. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated December 16, 2025