By Ashley Freed
Luce County 4-H Program Coordinator
In June of 2026, 9 Luce County 4-H teens participated in Michigan State University (MSU) 4-H Exploration Days, a pre-college program designed to help youth prepare for independent living while exploring future career and educational opportunities.
Held on the campus of MSU, 4-H Exploration Days offers youth the opportunity to experience college life firsthand—staying in residence halls, eating in dining halls, navigating campus resources, and managing their own schedules. Through this immersive experience, participants develop essential life skills such as decision-making, time management, communication, and personal responsibility.
While on campus, the Luce County 4-H teens selected from over 100 educational sessions aligned with their interests. Several sessions provided hands-on exposure to real-world careers, connecting participants directly with professionals and learning environments. Highlights included:
• Serve and Protect – Public Safety
• Mental Health, Counseling, and Social Work
• Legal Eagle
In addition to career-focused learning, the teens built leadership and personal development skills through sessions such as How To Adult-ish: Real Skills for Real Life, Turning Vegetables into Power, and Creating Your Own TV Show. These experiences encouraged creativity, teamwork, and confidence—key components of college and career success.
Programs like 4-H Exploration Days play a critical role in preparing youth for the transition from high school to adulthood. By experiencing campus life and engaging with career pathways, participants gain a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in higher education and beyond.
The Luce County 4-H program is committed to providing opportunities that foster leadership, independence, and lifelong learning for local youth.
For more information about Luce County 4-H programs, contact Ashley Freed, 4-H Program Coordinator at freedash@msu.edu.
