What is 4-H?

Michigan 4-H is the youth development program of Michigan State University Extension. It provides fun, hands-on educational opportunities that prepare youth for life and work by helping them find their spark, build real world skills and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners.

Many people think 4-H is just for kids who live on farms or those interested in raising and selling animals – but that’s not true! Offered in a diverse array of topics, each year more than 100,000 young people, ages 5-19, explore what interests and excites them with Michigan 4-H. In program areas ranging from animals to archery, engineering to entrepreneurship, and leadership to learning to cook, 4-H provides experiences that allow youth to practice and build foundational skills that ready them for the future.

Learn more about Michigan 4-H.

Join 4-H

4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change. With skills learned in 4-H, youth become ready for whatever the future holds: ready to lead, ready to build, ready to serve and ready to contribute to the world around them.

Data shows that compared to their peers, 4-H’ers are:

2x more likely to have the goal of being a leader;
3x more likely to participate in community service; and
2x more likely to report living life with intentionality and purpose.

*Tufts University longitudinal study of Positive Youth Development, 2021

Beyond ready to get started with 4-H? Sign up today!

Volunteer with 4-H

Consider becoming a Michigan 4-H volunteer and help to prepare the next generation. By giving your time, talent and skills, you can help ready youth for whatever the future holds. Give an hour a week, month or year - there are volunteer roles for any skill level, time commitment and interest area.

With your help, more kids will be ready to take on the world. More youth, more community, more ready!

Learn more about becoming a 4-H volunteer!

Current 4-H youth and volunteers

Login to 4-H Online to connect with your local 4-H program!

4-H Online

Oceana County 4-H Events

Mar 4

Adulting 101 2026- Full Listing of Monthly Sessions

March 4, 2026 – November 12, 2026 Zoom

Are you ready to leave for college or be out on your own? Join us monthly on zoom to learn real life skills to help you successfully transition to living independently.
Mar 16

2026 AgrAbility National Training Workshop

March 16, 2026 – March 19, 2026 Park Place Hotel, 300 East State Street, Traverse City MI 49684

The AgrAbility National Training Workshop is the premier training event addressing issues of disability in agriculture. Professionals and consumers from all over the country participate in sessions, breakouts, tours, networking, and special events.
Mar 25

Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar: From Sparks to Skills: Using AI Responsibly in 4-H

March 25, 2026 12:00PM – 1:00PM Zoom

Webinars that provide Michigan 4-H volunteers with a variety of learning opportunities to help them grow as a volunteer and support the Michigan 4-Her's. This session is: From Sparks to Skills: Using AI Responsibly in 4-H.
Apr 1

Smart Money Missions Goosechase Game

April 1, 2026 – April 21, 2026 Goosechase app

This fun money management scavenger hunt game is played on the Goosechase app and is open to youth 13-19 years old residing in Michigan.
Apr 6

Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - April 2026

April 6, 2026 – May 4, 2026 6:30pm-8:00pm ET online

Guiding Principles is a FREE online course for parents of toddlers to teens to learn strategies for helping children, parents and families be successful.