Michigan AmeriCorps members are “getting things done” for Michigan 4-H

Jamie Wilson, Michigan State University Extension Communications -

AmeriCorps members serving with MSU Extension’s 4-H STEAM Corps program are making a positive impact on youth and communities throughout the state.

Portraits of 4-H STEAM Corps members.
Top left to bottom right: Missy LeFever, Erin Lilly, Annette Murray, Jalen Bell, Rachel Puckett (program manager), Mary Riley-Walraven, and Desi Mims, and Liana Graves (site supervisor)

As people across the country celebrate AmeriCorps Week, March 8-14, Michigan State University Extension salutes the national service members serving within our own organization. Seventeen AmeriCorps members with 4-H STEAM Corps are dedicating their time to grow youth participation and interest in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) and improving the lives of Michigan youth.

AmeriCorps is a national service program in which members pledge to “get things done for America” by providing intensive, results-driven service to individuals and communities in need. Members serve full- or part-time and in exchange for their service, receive a modest living stipend and an education award. More than any monetary compensation, members serve because they want to give back to their communities and make a difference in the lives of those in need.

The Michigan’s AmeriCorps members serving with 4-H STEAM Corps are impacting the lives of many Michigan 4-H members as they recruit volunteers and youth to participate in hands-on, educational programs in the STEAM areas.

“Currently there is a lack of hands-on and engaging programming for students around the STEAM subjects,” said Rachel Puckett, MSU Extension’s 4-H STEAM Corps program manager. “4-H STEAM Corps members develop new and enhance existing programs that help grow young people’s interest in the sciences and encourage them to pursue STEAM-related careers.”

Portraits of 4-H STEAM Corps members
Top left to bottom right: Bershar Chapman, Rachel Ochylski, Makaila Pray, Carol Horne, Kay Anderson, Marquetta Frost, Martina Valdez

Scattered throughout Michigan, AmeriCorps members “getting things done” with 4-H STEAM Corps include:

  • Kay Anderson, Oscoda County
  • Jalen Bell, Ingham County
  • Bershar Chapman, Wayne County
  • Brandy DeBarr, Kalkaska County
  • Lance Fowler, Bay County
  • Ashley Freed, Luce County
  • Marquetta Frost, Calhoun County
  • Carol Horne, Alger County
  • Mary Lee Humphreys, Isabella County
  • Missy LeFever, Arenac County
  • Erin Lilly, Kent County
  • Desi Mims, Marquette County
  • Annette Murray, Roscommon County
  • Rachel Ochylski, Eaton County
  • Makaila Pray, Iosco County
  • Mary Riley-Walraven, Genesee County
  • Martina Valdez, Shiawassee County

Michigan 4-H and MSU Extension are grateful to these members for their service and their commitment to making a difference in the lives of Michigan youth. Visit the Michigan 4-H STEAM Corps website to learn more about 4-H STEAM Corps, including about becoming an AmeriCorps member with the program.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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