Wilkes 4-H Scholarship Fund created to support Michigan 4-H scholars
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EmailThe Michigan 4-H Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Wilkes 4-H Scholarship Fund, created through a generous gift from Paul Wilkes, a proud Michigan 4-H alumnus.
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Wilkes 4-H Scholarship Fund, created through a generous gift from Paul Wilkes, a proud Michigan 4-H alumnus.
For Wilkes, this scholarship is deeply personal. His own 4-H journey began in Barry County, where he was an active 4-H member and the recipient of a 4-H scholarship in 1950—an experience that shaped his belief in the power of 4-H to open doors for young people. Inspired by the support he received as a young person, Wilkes has carried a lifelong desire to help future 4-H members pursue their education.
“Because of the 4-H scholarship, I ended up going to college,” Wilkes said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have my college education. My college education is responsible for my success and business.”
After graduating from Michigan State University, Wilkes entered the ROTC program and served three years as a pilot during the Korean War. Following his military service, Wilkes built a diverse and impactful career dedicated to agriculture and community service. His professional path included roles as a fulltime farmer, a Michigan State University Extension agriculture agent in Ionia County, and with the MSU Dairy Production Testing Program. He later became sales manager for Right of Foods before founding Potato Services of Michigan in 1974. His son later became a partner, and Paul retired and sold the business to his son in 1998. The business is now operated by his grandson.
Through each chapter of his life, Paul never forgot the support he received as a young 4-H’er—and the difference it made. The Wilkes 4-H Scholarship Fund will honor that legacy by providing two annual $10,000 postsecondary scholarships for the next four years to Michigan 4-H members. Eligible recipients must be high school seniors or incoming college freshmen attending a Michigan college, university or trade school. Recipients must also have been a 4-H member for at least three years and demonstrate:
- Outstanding achievement in 4-H
- Exceptional character, reflected in positive attitude and conduct
- A broad range of 4-H project experiences
- Leadership and citizenship contributions within 4-H and their local communities
By supporting dedicated and deserving youth, this scholarship fund will help ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of educational dreams.
“We are so thankful to Paul for his extraordinary generosity, enduring commitment to 4-H, and belief in the potential of young people,” said Abbey Miller, Michigan 4-H Foundation director. “This scholarship will have a profound impact—empowering the next generation of Michigan 4-H youth to learn, lead and succeed.”
This scholarship will be available for the first time in the 2026-27 school year. The online application is available until September 1 on the Michigan 4-H Foundation website.
To learn more about giving to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org or contact Abbey Miller at abmiller@msu.edu.
