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!
Oceana County 4-H Events
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Oct 28
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - October - November 2025
October 28, 2025 – November 25, 2025 11:30am-1:00pm ET online
Guiding Principles is a FREE online course for parents of toddlers to teens to learn strategies for helping children, parents and families be successful.
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Oct 28
4-H Future Squad- Virtual Adulting 101 Second Club Meeting
October 28, 2025 7:00PM – 8:00PM Zoom
This virtual state-wide 4-H club is open to any youth 12-19 years old who wants to join a 4-H club, meet new people, and learn about topics in the "adulting 101" topic area.
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Nov 13
Navigating Tough Talks: Conflict Resolution & Civil Discourse
November 13, 2025 6:30PM – 7:30PM Zoom webinar
In this Adulting 101 webinar, participants will learn how to manage disagreements with respect and open-mindedness.
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Nov 18
Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series: So you Want to Be a Club Leader? Lets talk!-Noon
November 18, 2025 12:00PM – 1:00PM Zoom
This session breaks down what it really takes to be an effective and inspired club leader—from logistics and communication to culture and connection.
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Nov 18
Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series: So you Want to Be a Club Leader? Lets talk!-7pm
November 18, 2025 7:00PM – 8:00PM Zoom
This session breaks down what it really takes to be an effective and inspired club leader—from logistics and communication to culture and connection.
Contact Your 4-H Program Coordinator
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Jennifer Payne
4-H Program Coordinator
wassonj3@msu.edu