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

May 2

Spring 2026 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop for Adults and Teens

May 2, 2026 – May 3, 2026 Registration occurs Saturday, May 2nd from 8am to 9pm with classes beginning promptly at 9am. Classes conclude at 6pm on Saturday, May 2nd. Classes resume Sunday, May 3rd at 9am and conclude at 4pm. John A. Halter Shooting Sports Center, 4390 Bankers Road, Hillsdale, MI 49242

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.
May 4

Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar: Supporting Youth Entrepreneurs: Your Role in 4-H Animal Projects

May 4, 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: Supporting Youth Entrepreneurs: Your Role in 4-H Animal Projects.
May 5

Make the Most of Your Market Animal Project - Market Mastery

May 5, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM

Delve into the 5 P’s of marketing and explore innovative strategies to elevate your outreach. Youth will learn practical tools and techniques to promote their projects successfully, enhance their sales, and build valuable connections in their industry.
May 7

2026 World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute

May 7, 2026 7:30AM – 2:00PM 642 Red Cedar Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824

The World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute is a one-day event where students in grades 7-12 present research and recommendations on how to address critical global challenges.
May 12

Make the Most of Your Market Animal Project -Records to Riches

May 12, 2026 6:30PM – 7:30PM

Learn how to keep track of what you spend and earn so you can make smart choices for your Market Livestock Project. This session equips youth with practical tools to track expenses, set goals, and ensure their projects are profitable and rewarding.