Make a difference together: 4-H clubs and national service days
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EmailThink about pairing your project with AmeriCorps National Days of Service and apply for mini-grants to maximize the impact.
Service is at the heart of 4-H. It’s woven into the 4-H pledge, “my hands to larger service,” and reflected in the organization’s mission to empower youth as leaders and active citizens. For generations, 4-H clubs have engaged in community service projects that make a difference while teaching youth the value of giving back.
Why is service so important for young people? According to Michigan State University Extension’s 4-H community service and service learning information, participating in service projects helps youth develop leadership skills, practice cooperation, build empathy and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. These experiences connect youth to new people, places and organizations, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
MSU Extension also has a strong tradition of hosting AmeriCorps programs, which are built on the same foundation of service. AmeriCorps members commit to intensive, hands-on terms of service that address community needs. In many ways, a service term is a long-term impactful volunteer experience! Through programs like 4-H HealthCorps, AmeriCorps members work alongside local MSU Extension offices to deliver education and support community initiatives led by youth.
Planning a service project for your club can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to! MSU Extension offers a helpful resource: the “Planning Your Community Service Project” guide. This guide walks through brainstorming ideas, identifying community needs, organizing volunteers, and making your project meaningful for everyone involved. It’s a great starting point for clubs looking to make an impact.
One great way to plan a service project is to align it with an AmeriCorps National Day of Service. These nationally-recognized days include:
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January)
- Global Youth Service Day (April)
- September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (September)
In Michigan, these days often come with financial support thanks to the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), the state’s AmeriCorps funding authority housed within the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. MCSC offers mini-grants ranging from $100 to $1,000 to organizations planning National Day of Service projects. Award ranges are based on anticipated volunteer participation. Mini-grant applications are open for 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service projects until December 19.
If your club is interested in hosting a service project, start by reaching out to your local MSU Extension office. They can submit the mini-grant application on your behalf and help you use the “Planning Your Community Service Project” guide to make your event successful. If your county hosts an AmeriCorps member through MSU Extension’s 4-H HealthCorps program, they can be a great resource for ideas and support too!
If you would like to learn more about AmeriCorps and the 4-H HealthCorps program, contact Andrea Villanueva at villan17@msu.edu.
