1997-98 MICHIGAN 4-H FACTS

• Michigan 4-H Youth Programs provides asset-building and life skill enhancement opportunities to Michigan young people. 

  
• Working with adult and older teen volunteers, Michigan State University Extension staff members in Michiganís 83 counties facilitate opportunities for youth involvement through 4-H clubs, school-based programs, camps and other youth group activities. 

  
• Through counties, state government and Michigan State University working cooperatively, Michigan 4-H Youth Programs provides youth development opportunities to meet the contemporary needs of Michiganís young people during in- and out-of-school hours. 

  
• In 1997-98, Michigan 4-H Youth Programs involved 226,541 young people in youth development activities throughout the state. Early adolescents (ages 9 to 13) make-up 45 percent of the 4-H youth population; 5- to 8-year-olds, 37 percent; and older youth, 18 percent. 

  
• 4-H youth participants come from diverse geographic regions and cultures. Forty percent of 4-H youth live in rural communities with populations less than 10,000; 20 percent are from towns and cities of 10,000 to 50,000; 15 percent each, from farms and cities over 50,000; and 10 percent, from suburbs.  Twenty-one percent of the stateís 4-H members represent minority populations. 

  
• 4-H Youth Programs offers hands-on learning experiences in 12 subject matter and life skill development areas. Of these areas, the top five in state 4-H youth enrollment are plants and animals, 86,951; arts and communications, 73,665; foods, nutrition and health, 51,600; personal and leadership development, 51,034; and citizenship and community service, 40,250.