Michigan 4-H Teens as Teachers Healthy Living Program

The Michigan 4-H Teens as Teachers Healthy Living Program seeks teens who want to take an active role in promoting health, wellness, and leadership within their communities. The program empowers teens to serve as peer educators and role models who help younger youth make informed, healthy choices while developing their own character, confidence, and leadership skills.

Through the Teens as Teachers program, teens will receive leadership and facilitation training that prepares them to lead 4-H Healthy Living programs focused on:

• Mental health and emotional wellness
• Physical fitness and healthy lifestyles
• Substance use prevention and positive decision-making

Teens will receive a variety of benefits through their participation in the program, including:

• A scholarship to attend Michigan 4-H Exploration Days on the campus of Michigan State University (valued at $250)
• A $100 stipend after teaching their first lessons
• An official “Teens as Teachers” Shirt
• Materials and supplies to use while teaching
• Increased leadership and careers skills that can be used on application for scholarships, higher education, and jobs

The Teens as Teachers program is open to all Michigan youth ages 13-19 (no previous experience with 4-H is needed) and there is no cost to participate, but space is limited.

Program Schedule

Program orientation and initial trainings will be done online during live, interactive Zoom sessions. All Teen Teachers will attend 4-H Exploration Days in East Lansing, MI for in-person training.

• April 15 - Registration Deadline
  • (Please note, registration will close early if our maximum registration is reached before the April 15 deadline)
• April 21 @ 6:30 - 8 p.m. ET (Zoom)
  • Program Orientation for teens and parent(s)/guardian(s)
• May 19 @ 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. ET (Zoom)
  • Training Session #1
• June 16 @ 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. ET (Zoom)
  • Training Session #2
• June 24-26 - (In-person)
  • A Teens as Teachers training will be held as part of 4-H Exploration Days in East Lansing, MI. Lodging and meals will be provided for participants on the campus of Michigan State University.
• July - December 
  
  • Working with other teen teachers in their community, and with continued guidance and support from 4-H staff, Teen Teachers will plan and lead educational workshops focused on healthy living for peers and younger youth.
  • Teen Teachers will continue to meet at least once per month from July-December for additional training and support. Meetings will be via Zoom with options for in-person, local gatherings with other Teen Teachers and 4-H staff.