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

Apr 21

Make the Most of Your Market Animal Project -Goal Getters

April 21, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM

Learn how to set SMART goals to enhance your livestock marketing success. Youth with learn practical strategies to develop a goal, stay focused, and achieve it.
Apr 21

Make the Most of Your Market Livestock Project

April 21, 2026 – May 19, 2026 All sessions begin at 6:30 PM EST and end at 7:30 PM EST Zoom

Designed for youth ages 8-19, this engaging webinar series covers everything you need to succeed at livestock auctions.
Apr 21

Make the Most of Your Market Animal Project Webinar Series

April 21, 2026 – May 19, 2026

Designed for youth ages 8-19, this engaging webinar series covers everything you need to succeed at livestock auctions. Topics include marketing and communication to record keeping, goal setting, and understanding break-even points.
Apr 22

Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar: Let’s Talk It Out: Handling Conflict with Ease

April 22, 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: Let’s Talk It Out: Handling Conflict with Ease.
Apr 28

Make the Most of Your Market Animal Project Webinar -Talk the Talk

April 28, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM

Effective communication is key to successfully selling livestock. This session covers tools and techniques to connect with buyers, convey product value, and empower youth with practical tips for impactful auctions and markets.