Events
4-H Exploration Days
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Annual MSU pre-college program that attracts approximately 2500 youth participants and chaperones representing all 83 Michigan counties.
4-H Mentoring Weekend
Location: Kettunen Center, Tustin, MI
This event brings Mentoring matches together from around the state to enjoy time strengthening their relationships.
Prospective Mentors
What to expect in a 4-H youth mentoring program
A mentor in a 4-H mentoring program can expect personal ongoing support, encouragement and guidance from 4-H staff as the mentoring relationship progresses. To make certain that both the mentee and the mentor are having a positive, life enriching experience, 4-H staff will conduct regular communication with the mentor, the mentee and the parent or guardian to discuss the match, problems and progress. Most 4-H programs typically expect a mentor to spend at least one hour each week with the mentee, with most of the programs lasting for at least one year. Many 4-H programs provide group activities, program recognition events and complimentary tickets to community events in which mentors and mentees may optionally participate. At the completion of the program, 4-H staff will support and assist in the closure of the mentoring relationship. It is the goal of 4-H staff both to see that youth develop and reach positive academic, career and personal goals through a successful mentorship, and also that the 4-H mentor gains personal fulfillment and self-development through contribution to the community and individual.
To learn more about specific expectations and goals in the 4-H mentoring program in your area, go to "4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan" in the Resources below and look for a county near you. Then press the link for contact information.
Mentor selection and criteria
Each 4-H mentoring program has its own eligibility criteria and policies for selecting and screening volunteers. To learn more about the requirements and selection procedures in your county, go to "4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan" in the Resources below. Press the link for your county. Call and speak to the mentoring program coordinator.
Listed below are general volunteer criteria required of all MSU Extension 4-H mentoring programs.
A volunteer must:
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Listed below are possible application requirements: (For the actual application requirements for your county’s mentoring program, contact the mentoring program coordinator for your county on the 4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan resource.)
- Application
- MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process (Required)
- Driving record
- Copy of driver’s license
- Interview
- References
- Confidentiality agreement
- Mentor contract
Characteristics of a good mentor
Good mentors:
- Are active listeners.
- Are patient and caring.
- Are flexible and open to new ideas.
- Have a good attitude.
- Are dependable and reliable.
- Set realistic and appropriate goals.
- Listen and accept guidance and feedback.
Michigan counties currently offering mentoring progams
New 4-H mentoring programs are being developed in counties across Michigan each year. To see an updated listing of Michigan counties currently offering 4-H mentoring programs, go to "4-H Youth Mentoring Programs in Michigan" in the Resources below.
Other mentoring programs in Michigan
Michigan 4-H Youth Development strives to continue to develop and offer caring and supportive mentoring opportunities for youth and volunteers in Michigan. Unfortunately, not every Michigan county currently operates a 4-H mentoring program. If you are a volunteer interested in becoming a mentor in a county not currently operating a mentoring program, there are many other mentoring opportunities with other organizations in Michigan. Visit Mentor Michigan at http://www.michigan.gov/mentormichigan to see a list of organizations offering mentoring opportunities in your area.
Contact
Lisa Bottomley, Mentoring Specialist
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
Phone: 517-432-7622
Fax: 517-353-4846
E-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
News
MSU Extension mentee speaks at Mentoring Day Capitol event
15-year-old Katie Wolters became involved with MSU Extension’s 4-H Tech Wizards program in Ottawa County after struggling to succeed in her former school.
7th annual 4-H Day at the Breslin celebrates youth development and Spartan Women’s Basketball
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) 4-H Youth Development will cheer on the MSU women’s basketball team as they take on Ohio State during their Jan. 15 home game at the MSU Breslin Center. “MSUE 4-H Day at the Breslin” is a celebration of the MSUE 4-H program in Michigan.
At last – someone’s taking responsibility!
4-H’s new program, "Join the Revolution of Responsibility," puts a spotlight on all those making a difference in their communities, watching over our natural resources and creating new businesses. It isn’t just politicians or public officials on the front lines of tackling these issues—it’s 4-H members throughout Michigan.
Michigan 4-H invites community to an evening in the garden
Michigan 4-H Youth Development will host its first 4-H Evening in the Garden event, Tuesday, Aug. 16, as a recruitment opportunity, a chance for current 4-H’ers to showcase their projects and an occasion to present activities for hands-on participation.