Activities for Youth

Enter photo and video projects in showcase

Michigan youth ages 5-19 as of Jan 1, 2026 are eligible to enter the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase and share their projects online. There is no fee to enter and 4-H membership is not required.

There are classes in livestock and animal showmanship, still exhibits, contests, educational and leadership, and more! Youth can enter multiple classes and receive positive and constructive feedback from evaluators. Youth can enter the same project in a local or county fair but cannot enter the same project in the in-person Michigan State Fair.

The registration deadline is August 7, 2026.

Scholarship available

Participants in the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase also can apply for up to $1,000 in post-secondary education scholarships.

Michigan youth, ages 8-19 years old as of Jan. 1, 2026, who submit a project in the virtual showcase are eligible to apply in their age bracket (8-11, 12-15 and 16-19). The deadline to apply for scholarships is Monday, August 10, 2026 at 4 p.m. EST.

The Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase Scholarship is provided by the Michigan State Fair Foundation and supported by the Bowman family.

For more information

For more information and to register go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/

Questions, please contact Janelle Stewart at stewa191@msu.edu or Laurie Rivetto at rivettoL@msu.edu.

The Michigan 4-H Youth Entrepreneurship Virtual Showcase Business Pitch Contest gives youth ages 8–19 the opportunity to showcase their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills through a short virtual business pitch.

Participants may present a business they already own, currently operate, or hope to start in the future, including product, service, or community impact ideas. Youth will create a two-minute video pitch introducing themselves, explaining their business idea, identifying the problem they are solving, and sharing why their product or service stands out.

Entries will be judged on creativity, communication, understanding of the target audience, and overall presentation skills. Winners in each age division will receive gift card prizes sponsored by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and be recognized through Michigan 4-H communications and social media.

Prizes awarded to the top 3 in all class divisions

• 8-11 year olds
• 12-15 year olds
• 16-19 year olds

Judging Criteria

• Creativity and originality of the business idea
• Clear explanation of the product or service
• Understanding of the customer of audience
• Communication skills and pitch clarity
• Age appropriate understanding of money and decision making
• Adherences to guidelines and directions

Contest Rules

• Entries may be businesses youth have:
  • Already started
  • Are currently operating
  • Or are planning to start
• Businesses can be product, service or social/community impact based
• Entries must include a photo of the exhibitor/youth for potential promotional and announcement purposes
• Entries must feature the youth participant on camera, speaking directly to the audience while pitching their business or product
• All submissions must be the youth's own original work
• Business ideas should reflect positive values, ethical entrepreneurship, and responsible decision making
• Content must be appropriate for all audiences

Format

• Video submissions should be no longer than 2 minutes
• Videos should be uploaded to YouTube with the channel set to unlisted
• The YouTube link must be entered into the submission system

Registration deadline is August 7, 2026

For more information and to register go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/

Questions, please contact Janelle Stewart at stewa191@msu.edu or Laurie Rivetto at rivettoL@msu.edu.

Open to all youth (4-H and non- 4-H members). Youth Programming provides opportunities to grow and learn.

These events may be in-person or online and may have age restrictions.  Check event descriptions for full details.