MSU Extension

Will Barnwell is an educator and community leader serving as the 4-H Program Coordinator (Extension Program Instructor) for Michigan State University Extension in Kalamazoo County. In this role, Will provides leadership, oversight, and expansion of local 4-H youth development programs, with a special focus on urban agriculture and community engagement. 

As part of his 4-H work, Will also serves as Site Coordinator for the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School in partnership with the Urban Folk Art Exploratory. In this capacity, he manages day-to-day operations, supports staff development, and ensures that programming integrates literacy, arts, gardening, and youth advocacy to empower participants and strengthen community ties.

Before joining MSU Extension, he taught middle and high school history and adjunct taught an interdisciplinary college course at Grand Valley State University. As the previous Program Director at Camp Bil-O-Wood in Ontario, he led canoe trips, trained youth in outdoor living skills, and serves currently as President of the Bil-O-Wood Voyageurs, an outdoor leadership organization. He has also contributed to academic research at Grand Valley State University and supported community arts programming through grant writing and partnerships.

His work is grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring programs reach and engage youth from all backgrounds, including underserved communities. Will works on building collaborative partnerships, recruiting and training volunteers, and designing programs that combine hands-on learning with civic engagement. With a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Northern Michigan University and a Master’s in Social Innovation from Grand Valley State University, he blends educational expertise with a deep commitment to social impact.