Consider volunteering in 4-H during college
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EmailStudents attending colleges and trade schools can consider becoming a 4-H volunteer.
Students in higher education, such as a university college, trade or technical school, etc., are attending school to help them become qualified for the career they’re pursuing. As students are enrolled in post-secondary education, they are active in different activities such as participating in different organizations or working while they are in school. Some students may volunteer and participate in service learning and community service activities through different volunteer and service learning programs at their school or maybe in the community. With service opportunities available, have you thought about becoming a 4-H volunteer as a student in college or a trade/technical school?
Scholarships.com gives three benefits for volunteering in college – these reasons can apply to students enrolled in other institutions of higher education like trade schools. They are to boost a resume, build a network, and grow as a person. Volunteering with 4-H can help you achieve all of these benefits as a 4-H volunteer.
Where can you start? First, consider these questions from Big Future by The College Board before you volunteer during your post-secondary educational career to begin the process:
- What have I done in the past that I’ve enjoyed?
- What do I want to do as a volunteer, and what would I rule out doing?
- How much time can I commit?
- What talents or skills can I offer?
- What kinds of people do I want to work with?
- What would I most like to learn by volunteering?
- What are you majoring or specializing in that you can teach to youth?
4-H has a place for you to volunteer during your time in post-secondary education. For example, Michigan 4-H Youth Development offers different project areas for volunteers to teach youth. Michigan 4-H staff works with volunteers to provide opportunities for youth in 4-H through different delivery models such as 4-H clubs, 4-H SPIN clubs, mentoring (for example, Michigan 4-H Tech Wizards), in-school programs and out-of-school programs.
To become a Michigan 4-H volunteer, you must go through the Michigan State University Extension Volunteer Selections Process. In summary, this process consists of an application, a criminal history background check, an interview and volunteer training to prepare you for your 4-H experience. 4-H programs in other states have a similar process.
To learn about the opportunities in your county or the county where you’re attending school, contact your county MSU Extension office.
Consider volunteering during your years in post-secondary education and consider volunteering in 4-H. 4-H staff will work to accommodate your interests and time as a volunteer to make sure you have a great experience and benefit the lives of youth.
