New scholarship funds expand educational opportunities for Michigan 4-H’ers
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EmailThe Michigan 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of six new scholarship funds that will support 4-H youth across Michigan in pursuing postsecondary education.
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of six new scholarship funds that will support 4-H youth across Michigan in pursuing postsecondary education. These funds were made possible by the generosity of donors whose lifelong commitment to 4-H will continue to inspire future generations. Each fund reflects the generosity, legacy and lifelong commitment of donors who believe deeply in the power of 4-H to shape confident, capable young leaders.
- The John Aylsworth 4-H Scholarship, honoring MSU Extension retiree and longtime 4-H international exchange coordinator John Aylsworth. The Michigan 4-H Foundation MSU Scholarship will be awarded in honor of Aylsworth in 2026.
- The Houghton-Keweenaw 4-H Senior Scholarship Endowment, established by Carol and Don Kreher, provides an annual $500 scholarship for 4-H members in Houghton and Keweenaw counties and honors Carol’s decades of service as a 4-H alumna, volunteer and MSU Extension staff member.
- The Melinda Klockziem Memorial Scholarship Fund, transferred from the Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation, offers an annual $300 scholarship for youth from Benzie and surrounding counties pursuing agriculture-related studies.
- Through a charitable gift annuity established in 1996, the Lee G. and K. Joanna Schwenk Fund for Kalamazoo County 4-H now provides annual support for Kalamazoo County 4-H programming and an annual scholarship, reflecting the Schwenks’ lifelong dedication to youth and community.
- The Marie Wagester Memorial 4-H Scholarship Fund, honoring longtime 4-H volunteer Marie Wagester, supports Isabella County 4-H members with an annual $1,000 scholarship until the fund is fully expended.
- The Wilkes 4-H Scholarship, created by Barry County 4-H alumnus Paul Wilkes, will support Michigan 4-H members statewide pursuing postsecondary education at any Michigan college or technical school.
Together, these new funds expand access to meaningful educational opportunities for Michigan 4-H youth.
To contribute to the scholarship funds or learn more about giving to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org or contact Abbey Miller at abmiller@msu.edu.
