MSU Extension 4-H Exploration Days

Pre-college programs offer young people a wonderful opportunity to briefly explore a particular career or academic area to see if it’s worth a closer look. For example, an MSU pre-college program related to agriculture and natural resources may explore farming, food and agricultural sciences, agricultural engineering, environmental and natural resources management, and more. The point is to provide exposure to a broad area and show the many career possibilities related to a particular field.

• MSU Spartan Youth Programs
  Michigan State University Spartan Youth Programs offers more than 100 programs and activities for kids from preschool through high school. Come and join in the FUN!
• AIMS (ANR Institute for Multicultural Students)
  Date & Location: During June at Michigan State University
  What: This one-week program is designed to give minority high school students broad exposure to the food and agricultural sciences, natural resources and related fields. Students live on campus and participate in demonstrations, tours and other hands-on activities. They can also participate in other educational, cultural and social activities. AIMS is free, though students are responsible for providing their own transportation to MSU.
  Open to: Multicultural students in grades 9, 10 and 11 who are interested in agriculture and natural resource industries.
• MAP: Multicultural Apprenticeship Program
  Dates & Location: Summer at Michigan State University
  What: MAP is designed to give high school students the opportunity to experience college life and the many exciting educational and career opportunities in agricultural and food sciences, natural resources and related fields. During the six-week program students will participate in field trips, leadership seminars and a number of other educational, social and cultural activities. MAP is free, though students are responsible for providing their own transportation to MSU.
  Open to: Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 with a strong interest and aptitude in science, math, and other academic areas.
• 4-H Capitol Experience
  Dates & Location: During March in Lansing
  What: This MSU pre-college program explores civic engagement and public policy in Lansing. You’ll discover a citizen’s role in the state government, network with other students, explore new careers and much more! 
  Open to: High school students and adult chaperones.
  Application deadline: Early February
• 4-H Exploration Days
  Dates & Location: During June at Michigan State University
  What: This MSU pre-college program gives young people a chance to experience college life, learn new ideas and skills, and meet people from across Michigan.
  Open to: Youth aged 12 and up and adult chaperones.
  Registration deadline: late March-Early April 
• 4-H Great Lakes & Natural Resources Camp 
  Dates & Location: Late July to early August in Presque Isle County
  What: This MSU pre-college program teaches youth about Michigan’s diverse natural resources and the Great Lakes ecosystems.
  Open to: 70 teens who are entering 8th to 10th grade in the fall.
  Registration deadline: Early May
• World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute
  Dates & Location:  Early May, MSU campus and various locations around Michigan
  What: This MSU pre-college program event that gives high school students the opportunity to present research and recommendations on how to solve key global challenges.  
  Open to: Students in 7th thur 12th grade. 
  Registration deadline: Mid March

Other Resources 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

• Occupational Outlook Handbook
  This nationally recognized career guidance resource for adults and upper-level high school students provides information on the training and education needed, expected earning potential and job prospects, what workers do on the job and working conditions for hundreds of different types of jobs.  
• Exploring Career Information From the Bureau of Labor Statistics – This site provides introductory career information for students in grades K to 12. Most of the material on the site has been adapted from the Bureau's Occupational Outlook Handbook. On the kids' site, wording and labor market concepts have been simplified and some statistical detail has been eliminated. In addition, the occupations on the site are categorized according to interests and hobbies common among students. Visitors to the site may simply click on one of twelve different areas of interest to look more closely at possible careers.