MSU Extension Chispa 4-H

The 4-H Thriving Model from the 4-H Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development believes that sparks are crucially important. They state: “Everybody has a skill, a talent, an interest, or a special quality that they are passionate about. We call these things SPARKS. They provide joy, purpose, and direction. Sparks are self-discovered and self-identified. They come from deep within and provide energy, joy, purpose, and direction in one’s life.” 

Chispa (‘CHEES-pah’ or /ˈtʃɪspə/) means "Spark" in English; in the Chispa 4-H program, we want you to explore and find your spark!

What do we do? 

• We offer our youth (between 8th and 12th grades) specific opportunities and knowledge resources, so that they can achieve their goals and become agents of change in their own lives and communities (career exploration and workforce preparation, leadership and more!).
• We strengthen alliances with our community partners and design a series of activities that respond to the needs observed in the context.
• We help parents/guardians understand the educational opportunities and processes that will benefit their children. We support them to strengthen their sense of belonging through family meetings/events, addressing topics related to their children's education.
• We establish our 4-H clubs (ages from 5-19) with topics of interest expressed by young people, to strengthen specific knowledge and develop life skills. We encourage youth to participate in our statewide events (World Food Prize, 4-H Exploration Days, and more!).
• Program areas: engineering, life science, leadership, agriculture, photography, and more!