Allegan County 4-H tagged to receive Allegan County Community Foundation’s Teens Aiding Growth grant
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EmailThe Allegan County Community Foundation Youth Endowment Fund, guided by the foundation's youth advisory council (TAG Team), provides grants to eligible organizations supporting the youth of Allegan County.
4-H programs are based on the four core values of 4-H: head, heart, hands and health. They help teens build critical thinking skills (head), develop compassion and social skills (heart), learn practical, hands-on skills (hands), and make a commitment to their health and well-being (health). For over 100 years, 4-H has been a leader in positive youth development. Its connection with land-grant universities like Michigan State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture ensures the programs are backed by science and research. Local, state and national organizations look to 4-H for expertise in helping young people grow. 4-H educators and specialists create new programs, update existing ones and conduct research to understand the ever-changing needs of youth and families.
Through Michigan State University Extension, 4-H is available in every Michigan county, including Allegan County. In Allegan County, the 4-H program was recently named a recipient of the Allegan County Community Foundation’s Teens Aiding Growth grant. This funding was allocated by the Teens Aiding Growth (TAG) Team, the youth advisory council of foundation. Teens from Allegan County high schools meet ten times a year to represent their peers’ interests within the community foundation. The foundation works to ensure the youth in Allegan County live in safe and supportive environments and have access to high-quality learning opportunities.
Allegan County 4-H applied for the TAG grant to support non-traditional 4-H programming for youth in the county. The funding provided by this grant will allow county 4-H staff to create new 4-H programs outside the traditional 4-H clubs one might see at the county fair. The programs provided by this grant will allow youth to develop new skills, improve physical and mental health, learn about environmental responsibility, build stronger communities and increase accessibility.
The partnership between the Allegan County Community Foundation and Allegan County 4-H exemplifies a shared commitment to empowering local youth through meaningful opportunities. By supporting non-traditional 4-H programming, the TAG grant will enable young people to explore new interests, develop valuable skills and contribute to their communities in innovative ways. This collaboration not only strengthens youth development in Allegan County, but also ensures that future generations have access to enriching experiences that foster growth, leadership and lifelong learning.
Visit the Allegan County Community Foundation website to learn more about the important work they do.
MSU Extension relies heavily on community partnerships to increase the reach of their work. For more information about MSU Extension and 4-H in your community, contact your local 4-H program coordinator.
