MSU Extension

With a goal of ensuring every Michigan child is prepared with the knowledge, tools and skills to lead a healthy and productive life, MSU Extension’s children and youth programming uses the experiential learning model through which children learn best. This hands-on, learn-by-doing programming is concentrated in five core areas: capacity building for youth development programs, career exploration and workforce development, child and family development, enhancing science literacy, and leadership and civic engagement.

Delivered through webinars, face-to-face workshops and other mechanisms, MSU Extension offers a variety of training, curricula and materials to support the development of these key programming areas.

Through this priority area, MSU Extension seeks to provide a variety of capacity-building tools and services to 4-H and other youth development programs across the state. As a result, the people and organizations that support Michigan’s youth are better equipped to prepare young people for future educational, career and life success. Resources and trainings in this priority area focus club development, volunteerism, mentoring and other emerging topics of importance to youth development programs.

MSU Extension provides programs and services that help youth become leaders in a globally connected and multicultural world while developing a commitment to civic service and responsibility. As a result, Michigan youth understand and respect the culture of others and are prepared to respond to local and global issues through leadership, civic engagement and volunteerism. Resources and trainings in this priority area focus on leadership development, global citizenship and civic education and engagement.

Through this priority area, MSU Extension seeks to engage youth and the adults who serve them in hands-on learning that cultivates an understanding of the process of science, or how science works, and increases their knowledge of science content and topics. As a result, youth are better prepared for success now and in the future. Resources and trainings in this priority area focus on animal science, environmental and outdoor education, plants, soils and gardening, and science and engineering.

MSU Extension provides programs and services that help youth explore future careers and entrepreneurship while enhancing their financial literacy and developing important skills for the workforce. As a result, Michigan youth are better prepared to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. Resources and trainings in this priority area focus on career preparation, entrepreneurship and money management.

Through this priority area, MSU Extension offers resources that support families in a variety of ways. From helping parents and caregivers increase early childhood science, math, pre-literacy and social and emotional skills in young children to developing critical life skills and healthy behaviors in youth of all ages, MSU Extension works to ensure Michigan’s families are stronger and children are prepared to excel in school and life. Resources and trainings in this priority area focus on preparing for school success in early childhood, social and emotional health in young children, family education and support, healthy youth and life skills education for adult volunteers working with youth.