Michigan 4-H Foundation

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is a proud supporter of the Michigan delegation’s trip to 4-H National Congress!

Do you know a youth who is interested in meeting other young people from across the country and learning about leadership & service?
Join us at National 4-H Congress to expand your skills, engage with other 4-H members, and be inspired to make an impact in your club, community, country and world.
You have one last chance, up until August 30th to submit names of 4-H Members who are interested in attending 4-H Congress.

We're excited to join Michigan 4-H in September to recognize outstanding alumni, volunteers, partners and staff. Make plans to join us for this exciting event!

Michigan 4-H to honor outstanding 4-H youth, alumni, volunteers, partners and staff at 2024 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation will co-host the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration on Sat., Sept. 21, in East Lansing, Mich.

Every year, 11- and 12-year-old Michigan 4-H’ers reflect on the theme of “Because of 4-H, I can . . .” for the Michigan 4-H State Awards 4-H Mark of Excellence contest. Here's what one 4-H'er, Ethan M. from Monroe Co., shared.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/.../4-h.../youth-recognition/

Calling all 4-H alums at MSU: join MSU Extension for the MSU Welcome Back 4-H Alumni Reception on September 4! Enjoy free food and networking with other 4-H alumni and MSU Extension staff members from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens. For more info, visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/msu-welcome-week-4-h-alumni-reception

An exciting day this week as the Michigan 4-H license plate legislation was ceremoniously signed into law on Wednesday by Governor Whitmer!

Michigan 4-H license plate legislation signed into law by Governor Whitmer Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined with Michigan 4-H youth and volunteers in Van Buren Charter Township on Wednesday, August 15, to ceremoniously sign into law legislation that creates a Michigan 4-H fundraising license plate.

Join us for 2 days of classes focused on everything you need to know to teach Shooting Sports fundamentals as part of a 4-H Youth Development Program. This workshop would not be possible without the support of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Registration closes on September 1, 2024. Follow this link to learn more and register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2024SSInstructorFallWorkshop/

Every year, 11- and 12-year-old Michigan 4-H’ers reflect on the theme of “Because of 4-H, I can . . .” for the Michigan 4-H State Awards 4-H Mark of Excellence contest. Here's what one 4-H'er, Heidi B. from St. Joseph Co., shared.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/youth-recognition/

Join us for the Michigan 4-H Fall 2024 Volunteer Webinar Series! Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, these webinars are packed with valuable insights to help you make the most impact.
Please visit: https://www.canr.msu.edu/volunteering/mi-4-h-volunteer-webinar-series for the full details of this series and to register.

Registration is now open for the Fall Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop. This is a great opportunity for 4-H volunteers!

Registration is now open for the Fall Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop! Join us for two days of classes focused on everything you need to know to teach Shooting Sports fundamentals to youth as part of a 4-H Youth Development Program. Follow this link to learn more and register: https://events.anr.msu.edu/2024SSInstructorFallWorkshop/

The Carl Lesser 4-H Ag Scholarship Fund has been established to honor Carl Lesser, a dedicated Washtenaw County 4-H volunteer. This fund will support 4-H scholarships for generations. Thank you to the Lesser family for their generosity and gift in honor of Carl! Learn more about this fund and how you can support this meaningful cause at
https://mi4hfdtn.org/new-scholarship-fund-honors-washtenaw-county-4-h-volunteer/

Check out our article, Language Tips for Group Management—a must-read for all 4-H volunteers! By choosing words thoughtfully, you can model effective communication and foster positive, productive group dynamics. Enhance your skills and make a lasting impact on your 4-H club.

Language tips for group management The words you use can have an impact on youth behavior.

Don’t miss out! Registration for the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase closes on August 10th! This is a fantastic opportunity for youth to showcase their projects and apply for $10,000 in scholarships, made possible thanks to our partners at the The Michigan State Fair, LLC. Learn more about this free event at extension.msu.edu/MSF4HShowcase.

Our beloved Indoor Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden is blooming again after its recent challenges. We’re incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of our 4-H donors and community supporters who made this revival possible.
Read more at https://mi4hfdtn.org/indoor-michigan-4-h-childrens-garden-rebuilding-after-loss/ and consider offering your support to this evolving need!

Meet Jazzmyne K., a shining example of how Alpena County 4-H shapes and inspires our youth! From a young girl to a responsible teen, Jazzmyne's journey is a testament to the incredible impact 4-H has on its members.

Northeast Michigan teen learns hard work, responsibility from 4-H ALPENA — Jazzmyne Kowalski is a prime example of the benefits that the Alpena County 4-H has on the youth that take part in its programs. Since Jazzmyne was a young girl, local 4-H has been a large part of her life and helped mold her into the responsible teen she is today, her mother […]

Across the country, youth mental health continues to be a concern. Children are experiencing increases in mental, emotional and physical health conditions while facing barriers to professional care and support. The new Michigan 4-H HealthCorps AmeriCorps program aims to address this issue.
https://mi4hfdtn.org/michigan-4-h-to-launch-healthcorps-to-support-youth-mental-health/

Congrats to these outstanding 4-H'ers and thank you to all the donors and sponsors who make the Michigan 4-H State Awards possible!

2024 Michigan 4-H State Award winners announced The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program recognized outstanding 4-H members following the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 19. A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members.

Did you know in-kind gifts such as donations of land, property or other physical assets are just one of the many ways that donors can support 4-H? Learn how the Ottawa County 4-H Council gifted a parcel of land to the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission to help complete the Idema Explorers Trail.
https://mi4hfdtn.org/ottawa-4-h-donates-property-to-help-complete-idema-explorers-trail/

Don't miss JOANN's 4-H Days this weekend, July 20–21. During these two days, donations from purchases made using the 4-H Rewards Card will be doubled from 5% to 10%.

https://www.joann.com/4-h/

Looking for a new way to give back as a 4-H volunteer? Consider becoming a host family to a 4-H exchange student.
Please contact Jan Brinn directly. Call or text to 269-312-0672 or email [email protected].

Children and adolescents are experiencing alarming increases in the prevalence of mental, emotional and physical health conditions while simultaneously facing barriers to accessing professional care and support. The new Michigan 4-H HealthCorps AmeriCorps program aims to address this issue by supporting the mental and physical well-being of Michigan youth.

Learn more at: https://mi4hfdtn.org/michigan-4-h-to-launch-healthcorps-to-support-youth-mental-health/

In recognition of her long-term service to Michigan and lifetime commitment to agriculture, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow was honored this fall at a reception hosted by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. As part of the event, Michigan 4-H and FFA were recognized, and guests were invited to make a tribute gift to to the organizations in Stabenow’s honor.

In total, $5,000 in tribute gifts to Michigan 4-H were made to honor Stabenow from 17 generous donors. Read more at https://mi4hfdtn.org/industry-thanks-sen-stabenow-for-lifetime-commitment-to-agriculture-with-donations-to-michigan-4-h/.

Looking for tips on on how you as a volunteer can best support 4-H'ers this fair season? Check out this great article from Michigan State University Extension.

Empowering youth for success: How 4-H volunteers can prepare 4-H’ers for fairs and showcase events 4-H volunteers play an essential role in preparing 4-H youth for fairs and showcase events.

Congratulations to these outstanding youth!

Fourteen 4-H members receive 2024 Michigan 4-H Mark of Excellence awards Mark of Excellence contest portrays learning experiences of 4-H members.

Happy 4th of July ! How are you celebrating Independence Day?

In 2023, Bridget Paidl was in her ninth year in the Michigan 4-H program when she won the senior Michigan 4-H State State Award for Beef Science. Learn more about Bridget's 4-H story!

Michigan 4-H State Award Spotlight: Bridget Paidl Bridget Paidl has been recognized as an outstanding 4-H member in the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program.

So exciting to see this legislation headed for the governor’s desk! Thanks to State Representative Matthew Bierlein and State Representative Reggie Miller for championing this effort and all who supported it along the way!

Michigan Senate approves Rep. Bierlein plan creating fundraising plate for kids - Mi House Repubs A proposal from state Rep. Matthew Bierlein that helps benefit Michigan youth by establishing a new type of license plate drivers can apply for was unanimously advanced this week by the Michigan Senate. House Bill 5058 creates a Michigan 4-H license plate through the Secretary of State’s office. F...

Michigan 4-H'ers are up to great things!

EPA Announces President's Environmental Youth Award to a High School Student from Novi, Michigan | US EPA EPA News Release: EPA Announces President's Environmental Youth Award to a High School Student from Novi, Michigan

Volunteers are an essential part of every Michigan 4-H club, program and event! Look at these great ideas for showing volunteers you appreciate all they do.

Volunteer appreciation methods Recognize volunteers year-round for their impact in your program.

Grateful to the Michigan State Fair for continuing to provide $10,000 in scholarships through this 4-H program!

Registration for the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase is now open! We are excited to partner with the Michigan State Fair again this year on this exciting program for all Michigan youth ages 5-19. The virtual platform provides a great opportunity for youth to exhibit their work in all project areas and apply for $10,000 in scholarships.

Learn more about this free event at extension.msu.edu/MSF4HShowcase.

Did you know the Michigan 4-H Foundation and Michigan 4-H have teamed up to offer the 4-H GROWN e-newsletter? This quarterly newsletter is sent to 4-H alumni, friends and supporters to keep you connected with Michigan 4-H. To ensure you receive the e-newsletter, sign-up online at bit.ly/4HGrownNews.