Michigan’s Youth Programs Cultivate the Next Crop of Professionals
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Just like Michigan’s agriculture industry has grown and evolved, so have the state’s ag-based youth programs like 4-H and FFA. As a result, the thousands of young people involved in these statewide organizations are well-prepared to take on the ag careers of tomorrow.
Head, Heart, Hands and Health
Established in 1908, Michigan 4-H began in Muskegon and Mason counties as corn-growing associations that helped members prepare for corn-growing contests in western Michigan. Those associations became the state’s first 4-H clubs, and by 1918, Michigan 4-H had an estimated 50,000 members and expanded to include projects in clothing, gardening, canning and livestock.
Today, Michigan 4-H is offered in every county across the state, and with approximately 200,000 young people ages 5 to 19 taking part in its programs, it is Michigan’s largest youth organization. Part of Michigan State University Extension, Michigan 4-H emphasizes hands-on learning and helps participants develop leadership skills through an expansive range of programs – many of which tie directly or indirectly to food and agriculture.
For example, students can explore animal science through programs in veterinary science, animal production and embryology, while a clothing and textiles program offers insight into agriculture’s fiber sector.
“We want to make sure all of Michigan’s young people can participate in 4-H and benefit from its programs, including programs in agricultural education,” says Jacob DeDecker, state leader of Michigan 4-H Youth Development. “Because we start connecting with children at such a young age, we are well-positioned to make an impact on the way kids view agriculture. That’s important because by the third grade, students start identifying the careers they might want to pursue, so we spark interests in fields like agriculture and let them know there are plenty of opportunities.”
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DeDecker also says Michigan 4-H strives to educate young people in urban areas, too.
“As an organization, we partner with schools and community colleges in urban centers and share the countless career pathways agriculture has to offer,” DeDecker says. “We encourage students to take their skills and interests and apply them to agriculture; they often don’t realize that’s an option, and it’s exciting to see the lightbulb turn on.”
Beyond the Blue Jacket
Another of Michigan’s ag-based youth programs is Michigan FFA, which federally chartered with the National FFA Organization in 1929 and is regarded as a major player in helping women across the U.S. gain FFA membership more than 50 years ago. In October 1969, Michigan FFA President Robert Craig seconded the motion to strike the word “male” from the FFA constitution, and shortly after, a resolution passed to allow women to join the organization. Thanks in part to Craig’s efforts, nearly half of all current FFA members are women, and women hold approximately half of state leadership positions.
With a mission to grow the next generation of leaders, today Michigan FFA is an intra-curricular student organization for middle and high school students with 121 chapters comprising more than 8,600 members. Each member receives agricultural classroom instruction and completes work-based or experiential service projects known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences in areas such as agricultural literacy, entrepreneurship and research.
“This organization welcomes everyone, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation or education level, and I think we all benefit from having a wide range of voices and experiences represented.”
Alexander Scovill, Michigan FFA state president
Michigan FFA members can also participate in competitive events at the local, state and national levels called Career and Leadership Development Events (CDE/LDE). These challenges help members develop marketable skills that will serve them no matter what career they choose.
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Michigan Youth Programs Impart Valuable Skills
“With the help of FFA, I have improved my public speaking skills and I am much better at conducting professional conversations,” says Alexander Scovill, Michigan FFA state president. “I’m driven by competitions, so having contests to prepare for and compete in, like the Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE and the Agricultural Sales CDE, helped motivate me to keep moving forward.”
During his time in Michigan FFA, which has included a role as a regional vice president and a third-place win at the National FFA Agriscience Fair, Scovill says he has noticed positive changes in the organization. He points to a more diverse membership among Michigan FFA chapters and an uptick in chapters in urban communities.
“The enhanced inclusion in FFA is wonderful to see,” Scovill says. “This organization welcomes everyone, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation or education level, and I think we all benefit from having a wide range of voices and experiences represented.”
See more: 4-H and FFA Set Youth Up for Success