Michigan 4-H Foundation

06/04/2026

Whether you participated in 4-H as a youth, volunteered your time, supported a family member’s projects or simply believe in the power of positive youth development, the Michigan 4-H Alumni & Friends Network is a great way to stay connected. Join this free network to receive updates, learn about opportunities to support Michigan 4-H youth and programs, and connect with others who share a passion for helping young people thrive.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is grateful for the alumni, donors, volunteers and friends whose support helps create life-changing opportunities for 4-H youth across the state. Join today and stay connected by the clover!
Please visit: extension.msu.edu/Michigan4HA&F to get connected.

06/02/2026

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is pleased to offer new scholarship opportunities to Michigan 4-H members for fall 2026. Nearly $30,000 in scholarships will be awarded to outstanding 4-H’ers for the 2026–2027 academic year.
These scholarships are made possible through generous support from 4-H alumni, retirees, and friends of 4-H.
Learn more: https://mi4hfdtn.org/scholarship

06/01/2026

Jennifer Colvin's 4-H journey began as a young member in Iosco County, where hands-on learning and leadership opportunities helped shape her future. Today, she is inspiring the next generation of 4-H youth as an MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator, helping others discover their own passions and potential.

Stories like Jennifer's are possible because of the generous Michigan 4-H Foundation supporters who invest in Michigan 4-H. Thank you for helping provide experiences that prepare young people to be Beyond Ready for whatever comes next.

Share your own 4-H Beyond Ready story at tinyurl.com/4xdbmnv7

Growing up in Iosco County 4-H, Jennifer Colvin enjoyed lamb and small animal projects, sparking a passion for agriculture that continues to this day. Now, Jennifer is helping future generations to find their own spark by leading the Iosco County 4-H program as their MSU Extension 4-H program coordinator.

"4-H made me beyond ready by giving me hands-on experiences that shaped both my work ethic and my passion," said Jennifer. "Through my projects, I learned responsibility, leadership and the value of showing up consistently — not just when it was easy. Those early lessons carried me through my education and prepared me for my career."

Share your own 4-H Beyond Ready story with us at tinyurl.com/4xdbmnv7.

05/29/2026

Reading, nature and imagination come together each summer through 4-H Stories in the Garden at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens. Families are invited to explore the gardens while enjoying stories shared by local teen volunteers, creating meaningful opportunities for learning, discovery and connection.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is proud to help support opportunities like this that inspire curiosity, youth leadership and hands-on experiences for children and families across Michigan.
Learn more: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/4-h-stories-in-the-garden-returns-for-29th-season

05/27/2026

There’s still time to apply for a Michigan 4-H Foundation mini-grant! Applications for up to $2,000 in funding to support impactful 4-H programs and experiences across the state are due June 1, 2026. Please visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/grants-scholarships/4-h-mini-grants/ and fill out the application.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is proud to offer mini-grants of up to $2,000 to help support innovative programs, hands-on learning opportunities and meaningful experiences for Michigan 4-H youth during the 2026-2027 program year.

From educational gardens and horticulture projects to shooting sports and therapeutic horseback riding programs, these grants help strengthen 4-H communities across the state.

Applications are due June 1, 2026.

Learn more and apply today at https://mi4hfdtn.org/grants

05/22/2026

From project learning to lifelong leadership, 4-H experiences help young people build skills that stay with them far beyond their years in the program. 💚

For Monroe County alumna and volunteer Mary Wickenheiser, 4-H helped shape abilities like organization, responsibility and leadership, lessons she carried into her career and community involvement.

Stories like Mary’s are why supporting Michigan 4-H matters. What’s your 4-H Beyond Ready story? Share it at tinyurl.com/4xdbmnv7.

When Mary Wickenheiser was a Monroe County 4-H'er, she had her hand in many projects: sewing, knitting, modeling, sheep, rabbits, baking, cake decorating and more! These early years of learning to manage multiple projects at one time - developing skills like time management, organization, responsibility and follow-through — undoubtedly helped her later as an administrative assistant, preschool aide and 4-H volunteer.

"I learned by doing!" said Mary. "I kept organized, led projects and developed friendships."

What's your 4-H Beyond Ready story? Share it at tinyurl.com/4xdbmnv7.

05/22/2026

Summer fun is blooming at the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden!

Through hands-on activities, exploration and creativity, the Summer Fun Series helps children discover the wonder of plants, nature and the world around them. Programs like these inspire curiosity, encourage learning and create lasting memories for children and families of all ages.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is proud to support opportunities like the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens Summer Fun Series, helping provide enriching experiences that connect youth with nature, imagination and discovery.

Learn more about the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens and upcoming programs through Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4hgarden/events/

05/20/2026

The future is bright for Michigan 4-H youth!

Thanks to the generosity and lifelong dedication of incredible donors and volunteers, six new scholarship funds have been established to help Michigan 4-H’ers pursue their postsecondary education goals. From honoring longtime 4-H leaders to supporting youth across local communities and statewide, these scholarships will create meaningful opportunities for future generations of young leaders.

Learn more about these new scholarship opportunities and how you can support Michigan 4-H youth through the Michigan 4-H Foundation: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/new-scholarship-funds-expand-educational-opportunities-for-michigan-4-h-ers

05/18/2026

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is proud to offer mini-grants of up to $2,000 to help support innovative programs, hands-on learning opportunities and meaningful experiences for Michigan 4-H youth during the 2026-2027 program year.

From educational gardens and horticulture projects to shooting sports and therapeutic horseback riding programs, these grants help strengthen 4-H communities across the state.

Applications are due June 1, 2026.

Learn more and apply today at https://mi4hfdtn.org/grants

05/13/2026

Show your love for Michigan 4-H every time you hit the road. The Michigan 4-H license plate is more than just a cool design—it helps fund life-changing 4-H programs for youth across the state.
For every plate purchased, $25 benefits Michigan 4-H!
Order yours today and drive with purpose!
Learn more at extension.msu.edu/4-HPlate