Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase

MSU4H SHOWCASE LOGO[7]Michigan State University Extension is thrilled to partner again in 2025 with the Michigan State Fair on an exciting program for Michigan youth: the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase. This statewide showcase provides a virtual platform for youth across Michigan to exhibit their work in all project areas, receive feedback, and if age-eligible, apply for a scholarship of up to $1,000 for post-secondary education. Any Michigan youth ages 5-19 is encouraged to participate in the virtual showcase; 4-H membership is not required. 

The diverse array of classes celebrate all the projects and programs in which youth have developed skill and mastery. This includes livestock and animal showmanship classes, as well as still exhibits, educational projects and more. There is no cost to participate and youth may engage in as many classes as they wish by submitting project photos and videos. 

Registration for the event will open on June 16 and close at 5 p.m. EST on Friday, August 8. Project evaluation occurs before the start of the Michigan State Fair so that winners can be announced at the event which occurred August 28 -September 1.  In addition to the opportunity to showcase their skills, recognize their accomplishments and receive constructive feedback for growth and development, participants in the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase also have the opportunity to apply for up to $1,000 in post-secondary education scholarships. 

The Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase Scholarship is provided by the Michigan State Fair Foundation and supported by the Bowman family. Michigan youth, ages 8-19 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025, who submit a project in the virtual showcase are eligible to apply.  Only one scholarship can be received per year per exhibitor. Details on the scholarship as well as questions asked on the application can be found on the practice application. The link to the actual application will be e-mailed to eligible participants who have exhibits in the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase. The deadline to apply for scholarships is Monday, August 11, 2025 at 4 p.m. EST. Recipients will be notified via e-mail in late August with details regarding the award ceremony at the Michigan State Fair in Novi, Mich. 

The Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase Scholarship may be used for the costs for any post-secondary education that help youth become Beyond Ready for their future. This may include two- or four-year colleges/universities, trade schools, educational certificates/certifications, apprenticeship programs, etc. 

Criteria for all Michigan State Fair scholarships, including for the 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase, can be found on the Michigan State Fair website.  

Want to help support scholarships for 4-H youth? Donate now!

If there are any questions regarding the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase Scholarship, please reach out to Laurie Rivetto at rivettoL@msu.edu. If you have questions regarding the Youth Virtual Showcase, please contact Janelle Stewart at stewa191@msu.edu.