MSU Extension partners with legislators to host first Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol

Jamie Wilson<jmwilson@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - October 16, 2023

On October 4, MSU Extension hosted the first Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol, in partnership with State Reps. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Twp.).

Many people in a room with 4-H displays. — Attendees at Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol.

On October 4, Michigan State University Extension hosted the first Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol, in partnership with State Reps. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township). The event, held in Heritage Hall at the Capitol, showcased the positive impact of the Michigan 4-H program and brought visibility to its efforts throughout the state.

“Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol was a great opportunity to educate about and bring awareness to the 4-H program,” said MSU Extension Director Dr. Quentin Tyler. “We truly appreciate Reps. Bierlein and Miller for their collaboration in hosting this event.”

Michigan 4-H is the flagship youth development program of MSU Extension and reaches nearly 100,000 young people ages 5 to 19 each year. Through various activities, clubs, groups, programs and events, 4-H’ers are offered hands-on learning experiences that help them explore their passions and interests while growing confidence, life skills and a sense of responsibility.

“Michigan 4-H is helping young people develop and thrive in every county in Michigan but we would like to reach even more young people with this life-changing program,” continued Tyler. “We hope this event brings us closer to that goal by increasing the visibility of our 4-H program and all that we offer to youth in our great state.”

Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol was attended by legislators, stakeholders and members of the public. At the event, attendees visited information booths hosted by Michigan 4-H youth and staff. A brief program featured event hosts Reps. Bierlein and Miller delivering comments to the audience. Tyler, MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff, Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds Domonique Clemons, who is a Michigan 4-H alum, and Lenawee County 4-H’er Lia Kurowicki also addressed the audience.

The program was livestreamed on the Michigan 4-H Facebook and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/Michigan4H. Organizers are already planning the 2024 event. To learn more about Michigan 4-H, visit www.canr.msu.edu/4h.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).