One year of driving the clover forward: Michigan 4-H license plate celebrates first anniversary
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EmailLast April, the Michigan 4-H community celebrated a milestone decades in the making: the launch of the Michigan 4-H license plate. One year later, Michigan 4-H continues to celebrate the plate’s existence and the potential it holds for the program.
Last April, the Michigan 4-H community celebrated a milestone decades in the making: the launch of the Michigan 4-H license plate. One year later, Michigan 4-H continues to celebrate the plate’s existence and the potential it holds for the program. Available through the Michigan Secretary of State, a portion of each 4-H license plate sold and renewed benefits Michigan 4-H Youth Development.
“The Michigan 4-H license plate has been a dream of our 4-H professionals and families for several decades,” explained Quentin Tyler, director of Michigan State University Extension, which is home to the Michigan 4-H program. “So, when the plate was launched one year ago, it was a wish come true. But more than being a vision brought to life, the plate is an incredible asset – raising visibility of the 4-H clover while generating additional dollars to support our 4-H program and its emerging needs.”
Like other special-cause fundraising license plates in the state, the Michigan 4-H license plate costs supporters $35, with $25 of the purchase fee benefiting Michigan 4-H. A $10 fee is also charged with each annual renewal, with the full $10 fee supporting Michigan 4-H.
“As a 4-H alum, volunteer and avid supporter, I was thrilled when my Michigan 4-H license plate arrived in the mail last year,” said Andrew Walker, president of the Michigan 4‑H Foundation Board of Trustees. The foundation — MSU Extension’s nonprofit philanthropic partner that supports Michigan 4‑H — serves as the fiduciary agent for the license plate. “I get to drive the clover around my community each day, supporting 4-H and showing my 4-H pride.”
Legislation enabling the creation of the Michigan 4-H fundraising license plate was introduced in September 2023 by state Reps. Matthew Bierlein (R-Vassar) and Reggie Miller (D- Van Buren Township). The bills passed the Michigan House in November 2023 and the Michigan Senate in June 2024 before being signed into law by Governor Whitmer in July 2024. The plate first became available to Michigan drivers in April 2025.
“One year later, we remain grateful to everyone who helped to make the license plate possible — our legislative sponsors and supporters, the Michigan 4-H Foundation, the Michigan Department of State and members of the 4-H community who have already purchased the 4-H plate,” Tyler said. “Their support is increasing awareness of Michigan 4-H and providing additional resources to serve more youth.”
Last year, Michigan 4-H reached more than 139,000 young people through hands-on educational experiences that ready youth for life and work by helping them find their spark, build real-world skills and become resilient, adaptable, lifelong learners. The program operates in every Michigan county and is available to youth ages 5 to 19.
“The Michigan 4-H program has been incredibly important in my life and my community,” continued Walker. “I hope other 4-H alums, parents, grandparents, friends and supporters will join me in showing their 4-H spirit and supporting 4-H by purchasing their own Michigan 4-H license plate!”
License plates may be ordered by visiting Michigan.gov/sos, by mailing in a form or scheduling a visit to any Michigan Secretary of State office. Plates will be delivered by mail in two to three weeks. Supporters do not need to wait until their plate renewal period to order the 4-H plate.
To learn more about the Michigan 4-H license plate, visit extension.msu.edu/4-HPlate. To learn more about Michigan 4-H, visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/4h. To learn more about the Michigan 4-H Foundation, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org.
