MSU Extension 4-H

Key Figures

• 6,943 participants in 2021 Michigan 4-H career exploration and workforce development programs

• 229 Michigan 4-H career exploration and workforce development programs offered in 2021

Priority Areas

Michigan State University Extension offers 4-H Youth Development programs that assist youth in preparing for and finding gainful employment and educational opportunities.

These programs focus on:

• Entrepreneurship
• Financial literacy
• Career exploration
• Workforce preparation

In addition to equipping young Michiganders with the skills and competencies critical to any job, these experiences allow youth to explore careers in a safe and informative way.

Impacts

As a result of Michigan 4-H career exploration and workforce development activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the labor force and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives.

Of youth surveyed in 2021:

• 95% knew how to create a S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goal.
• 95% understood they are responsible for their own financial future.
• 91% felt more knowledgeable about career opportunities they could pursue in the future.
• 89% understood what it means to be an entrepreneur. 
• 79% knew how to effectively market themselves to others.

For more information about MSU Extension’s career exploration and workforce preparation programs and resources, contact 4-Hcareerprep@msu.edu or visit us online.

Participant Quote

• "I learned hoe to better network with others and how to maintain those relationships!"
  • Youth participant in a Michigan 4-H career exploration and workforce preparation program 

CAREER CHOICES TO COMBAT WORLD HUNGER

Since 2015, Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension have hosted the World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute. This innovative program seeks to inspire and prepare the next generation of global leaders to end world hunger by bringing youth from across the state together to discuss their ideas related to poverty and global food security. As an important part of the program, youth interact with experts in the field and enjoy immersion experiences with leading MSU researchers who are exploring current research and issues in the fields of food, agriculture, natural resources, international development and life sciences.

In 2021, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute took place virtually with 44 youth from across Michigan taking part in the 5-hour online event. Though youth had already taken part in many online programs since the pandemic first took hold in 2020, the World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute proved to be an exciting virtual experience enjoyed by all.

“The experience was such a welcome relief and change of pace,” said Jen Rowe, a Ludington High School teacher who had students take part in the program. “Many of my students were sophomores and their high school experience so far had been extremely different because of the pandemic. We all looked forward to this event and I hope it sparked an intense love of learning and helping others.”

In the post-program evaluation, those surveyed reported:

• 91% felt more knowledgeable about career opportunities they could pursue in the future.
• 77% indicated they had a better idea of what they might do after high school.

In addition, other youth voiced that World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute helped them to learn:

• How to help their community.
• That regardless of different cultures and countries, we all experience similar problems.
• That they could make an impact on the world and make someone’s future better.

BOOT CAMP BASICS BRING NEW AWARENESS

Berrien County’s Fifth Year Early/Middle College (E/MC) is a partnership between Lake Michigan College, Southwestern Michigan College, 12 local school districts and the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency. This comprehensive 3-year high school program provides a rigorous educational experience in which students can earn college credit while still in high school. As part of the program, youth are required to take part in Summer College Success Bootcamp to develop their academic preparation skills, study skills and social maturity.

In 2021, E/MC asked MSU Extension to partner with them to host educational offerings at their summer bootcamp. Two 4-H career exploration and workforce development educators attended the event and taught sessions about life skills, educational finance and career funds. After the MSU Extension sessions, students commented:

• “I learned there are many ways to finance your education.”
• “My hobbies have given me life skills I didn’t know I had!”
• “I learned a new career path and I like it.”