MSU Extension 4-H

Key Figures 

• 137,000 youth engaged in Michigan 4-H programming in 2023-2024
• 10,200 individuals volunteered with Michigan 4-H in 2023-2024

Priority Areas

4-H Youth Development is a program of Michigan State University Extension. Last year, 137,000 Michigan young people participated in 4-H through various activities, clubs, groups, programs and events. As they engage in these unique learning experiences, 4-H’ers explore their passions and interests while growing confidence, leadership skills and a sense of responsibility.

Michigan 4-H youth are supported by caring volunteers who give their time in a variety of ways – as club or group leaders, mentors, chaperones, professional skills trainers and more!

Impacts

In the 2023-2024 program year, 137,000 youth engaged in 4-H programming with:

• 96,300 experiences related to science, engineering and technology.
• 30,600 experiences related to citizenship, leadership, civic engagement, community service, communication and expressive arts.
• 48,000 experiences related to food, nutrition, health and personal safety.

From the farms to the towns, and from the suburbs to the cities, 4-H youth come from every corner of the state:

• 43% are rural nonfarm residents or come from towns of less than 10,000 people.
• 11% live in cities and suburbs of more than 50,000 people.
• 34% live in towns and cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
• 12% live on farms.

For more information about Michigan 4-H, visit our website or connect with your county 4-H program by visiting extension.msu.edu/county.

"4-H has taught me how to be responsible, dependable and compassionate — qualities I use every day. Through 4-H, I've learned that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world around me, and it's given me the courage to lead, speak up and make an impact in my community." -Michigan 4-H youth participant

Workforce Ready Adults

Michigan 4-H helps youth become beyond ready for their professional future – be that career or college – by building skills that prepare them to contribute to the workforce and take fiscal responsibility for their lives.
Of surveyed youth engaged in 2024 Michigan 4-H career exploration and workforce development programs:

• 100% agreed they could connect their interests and skills to career options.
• 95% understood the importance of networking.
• 92% knew how to present themselves professionally.
• 90% understood what makes a communication piece professional.
• 85% said they knew how to market themselves on a resume.
• 81% agreed they plan to buy their needs first and limit buying their wants often or always.

A Healthier Generation

Through Michigan 4-H healthy living programming, youth are beyond ready for a healthier today and tomorrow as they improve their knowledge about lifestyles and choices they are empowered to make.
As a result of Michigan 4-H healthy living programming, youth develop positive attitudes about healthy lifestyle choices and begin making important healthy living decisions. Armed with these tools and information, youth are beyond ready to make healthy living decisions for a lifetime.
A 10-year longitudinal study conducted by Tufts University found that 4-H youth are:

• Nearly 2x more likely to make healthier choices.

In the Replication Study of Positive Youth Development conducted by National 4-H Council, 4-H participants were:

• 2x more likely to feel positive about their well-being.
• 2x more likely to report feeling competent.

True Leaders

In Michigan 4-H, youth grow into beyond ready leaders and engaged citizens, learning that giving back strengthens communities and that true leadership is as much about collaboration as it is about leading.

As a result of Michigan 4-H leadership and civic engagement activities, Michigan youth build a commitment to civic service, cultivate the capacity to lead in a multicultural world and develop skills to positively contribute to their communities. 

A 10-year longitudinal study conducted by Tufts University found that 4-H youth are:

• 4x more likely to make contributions to their communities.
• 2x more likely to be civically active.
• 2x more likely to make healthier choices.

Future STEM Professionals

Michigan 4-H science activities help youth recognize the relevance of science and become more likely to pursue science-related careers. As they ignite the science spark, Michigan 4-H programs help equip youth with the confidence and skills needed for in demand STEM-careers, making them beyond ready to lead and solve problems through science.

Michigan 4-H STEM programs seek to increase:

• Aspirations and attitudes toward science.
• Interest and engagement in science.
• Skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.

A 10-year longitudinal study conducted by Tufts University found that 4-H youth are:

• 2x more likely to participate in science programs during out-of-school time.
• 3x more likely to take part in science programs as a female in grade 12.