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

Sep 15

Online Building Strong Adolescents Webinar Series September-October 2025

September 15, 2025 – October 13, 2025 7:00pm-9:00pm ET online

Building Strong Adolescents is a FREE online course for parents of adolescents ages 9-16 to learn strategies for helping teens develop the skills and supports they need to be successful.
Sep 16

2026 Cash Composition Contest

September 16, 2025 – March 1, 2026

Youth residing in Michigan, age 9-19 (as of January 1, 2026) are encouraged to answer this year’s financial essay question in 300 words or less for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Oct 5

National 4-H Week

October 5, 2025 – October 11, 2025

For over 100 years, 4‑H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. From October 5-11, we will celebrate the impact of 4‑H during National 4‑H Week.
Oct 6

Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar: Beyond Ready: Equipping Youth with Skills for Life-Noon

October 6, 2025 12:00PM – 1:00PM Zoom

Life doesn’t come with a manual—but 4-H comes pretty close! Join Michigan 4-H State Leader Jodi Schulz for a fun and practical look at how volunteers can help young people build the skills they need to be Beyond Ready.
Oct 6

Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar: Beyond Ready: Equipping Youth with Skills for Life-7pm

October 6, 2025 7:00PM – 8:00PM Zoom

Life doesn’t come with a manual—but 4-H comes pretty close! Join Michigan 4-H State Leader Jodi Schulz for a fun and practical look at how volunteers can help young people build the skills they need to be Beyond Ready.