Children, Youth and Families At-Risk

The objective of the Children, Youth and Families At-Risk (CYFAR) Program is to marshal resources of the Land-grant Institutions (LGIs) and Cooperative Extension Systems (CES) so that, in collaboration with other organizations, they can develop and deliver educational programs that equip youth who are at-risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, and contributing lives. The CYFAR Program is based on research on effective programs for at-risk youth and families and on the human ecological principle of working across the lifespan in the context of the family and community. To assure that the critical needs of children and families are met, CYFAR supports comprehensive, intensive, community-based programs developed with active citizen participation in all phases. CYFAR promotes and equips life and work skill development in youths, families, and communities. These skills help participants lead positive, productive, and contributing lives. CYFAR supports collaboration by forming lasting partnerships to achieve greater outcomes and provides a support base for sustaining programs for those placed at risk. CYFAR also promotes the use of technology to improve programs, provides efficient access to educational resources, and provides essential technological skills for youth and adults in environments where they are placed at-risk. Further, LGIs and CES, in collaboration with other organizations, develop and deliver educational programs that equip military-connected youth with resiliency skills necessary to lead positive,...

Applicants for the CYFAR must meet all the requirements discussed in this NOFO. Applications may only be submitted by Extension at 1890 Land-grant Institutions, including Tuskegee University, Central State University, and West Virginia State University; 1862 Land-grant Colleges and Universities; the University of the District of Columbia; and 1994 Land-grant Institutions. Award recipients may subcontract to organizations not eligible to apply provided such organizations are necessary for the conduct of the project.

NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, each application is reviewed to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements set forth in the NOFO. Second, a peer-review process (https://www.nifa.usda.gov/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications) will be used to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of applications that have met the administrative requirements. After each peer review panel has completed deliberations, the responsible NIFA program staff will either recommend an application for support from available funds or decline an application due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

Fiscal year 2025: In FY 2025, NIFA provided continuation funding for a project that is empowering youth to learn about local food systems through urban agriculture and by working with and in their communities. The project builds on successful models that focus on urban agriculture and emphasizes food access, food use, and health. Through hands-on instruction, teens will also gain leadership skills as they plan and implement a food systems action plan and contribute to their communities.