Michigan Community Service Commission

Class Years: 2023

Since its creation in 1991, the Michigan Community Service Commission has been using service as a strategy for addressing pressing issues and empowering volunteers to strengthen communities. Part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the commission is the state’s lead agency on service and volunteerism. It uses four programs to achieve its mission: Michigan’s AmeriCorps, Mentor Michigan, Volunteer Michigan, and the Governor’s Service Awards. These programs enable the commission to share volunteer and service resources, create networks among organizations, provide grant funding to address challenges, increase capacity, and serve as a bridge between the public and nonprofit sectors.

Michigan State University Extension and the commission have developed a decades-long collaboration that has been particularly beneficial to 4-H Youth Development. Over the years, Michigan 4-H has received many MCSC grants that have increased capacity and delivered resources to support volunteer recruiting and development. The grants have included a Volunteer Michigan grant to support 4-H volunteer recruitment and three others to place AmeriCorps members in 4-H programs: 4-H Club Read, 4-H Mentoring, and 4-H STEAM Corps. Funding for a fourth AmeriCorps program, 4-H HealthCorps, is anticipated by the end of 2023.

Thanks to these Michigan’s AmeriCorps initiatives, members have been placed in MSU Extension offices across the state, enabling Michigan 4-H to address key issues such as literacy, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) skill development, and youth health. Michigan 4-H has also hosted AmeriCorps members through other MCSC-administered AmeriCorps programs, such as the Mentoring to Access Corps, and collaborated with the MCSC through the Mentor Michigan program. The commission often celebrates the service of Michigan 4-H youth and volunteers through the Governor’s Service Awards.

This Citation Award celebrates the Michigan Community Service Commission’s commitment to improving Michigan communities and their faithful partnership with MSU Extension and its 4-H youth programs. The commission’s willingness to support Michigan 4-H service initiatives, to partner on 4-H volunteer recruiting efforts, to celebrate 4-H service, and more, have allowed Michigan 4-H to reach more Michigan young people.

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Jordan Davis, Berrien County

4-H started with dogs but has transformed into something much more. I can be an active member in group projects and I have become a better person altogether. I am so grateful to have had a 4-H experience that impacted me so much. I don’t know what my life would be without the wonderful opportunity of 4-H.

— Jordan Davis, Berrien County

Sponsor a Brick

Become a permanent part of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden by sponsoring a brick! Bricks can be donated in your name; in honor of a family, friend or club; or in memory of loved ones. Learn more: Sponsor a brick!.

2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award Winners

he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!