Youth Healthy Lifestyles Facilitator
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact while gaining hands-on experience in youth development and community wellness? 4-H HealthCorps is seeking passionate individuals to serve as Youth Healthy Lifestyles Facilitators with Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H in the following counties!
- Clinton County (Saint Johns, MI)
- Genesee County (Flint, MI)
- Grant Traverse County (Traverse City, MI)
- Leelanau County (Sutton's Bay, MI)
- Luce County (Newberry, MI)
- Macomb County (Clinton Township, MI)
- Marquette County (Negaunee, MI)
- Muskegon County (Muskegon, MI.) This position can be housed at our Mason (Scottville, MI), Lake (Baldwin, MI) , Oceana (Hart, MI), or Newaygo (Fremont, MI) County office if needed.
- Oakland County (Pontiac, MI)
This part-time AmeriCorps position runs from February 18, 2026, to November 13, 2026, with members serving 25 hours per week. It’s a great opportunity for upperclassmen, recent graduates, adult learners, or part-time students who are eager to build professional skills, support youth in their communities, and can easily fit a part-time gig into their schedule.
As a Youth Healthy Lifestyles Facilitator, you’ll lead interactive workshops focused on social and emotional learning and substance use prevention. These sessions take place in the classroom, at after-school programs, and summer camps, providing you with the opportunity to connect with young people in dynamic, supportive environments. You’ll help youth build resilience, make healthy choices, and develop lifelong skills for well-being.
About the Program:
4-H HealthCorps is a Michigan's AmeriCorps Program run out of Michigan State University Extension and places AmeriCorps members in Extension offices across Michigan to support youth social and emotional growth. The program is committed to promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being through educational programming, events, and outreach.
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. To learn more about AmeriCorps visit: https://americorps.gov/about
Roles and Responsibilities:
The AmeriCorps member in this role will teach youth, 5-18, about healthy living using the program’s approved curriculum. They will do this in two main ways:
- By organizing and leading 6-8 week programs, called 4 -H SPIN clubs, based on fun things youth are interested in and,
- By teaching healthy lifestyles lessons in schools using the approved curriculum.
Tasks to accomplish this include:
- Plan and lead 4-H SPIN clubs. Clubs will include fun activities/themes that match youth interests and utilize the AmeriCorps Program’s approved curriculum to guide healthy lifestyle education.
- Teach healthy lifestyles lessons in area schools. There is a possibility that the member may help create new partnerships with schools and assist with scheduling. However, most lesson series will be coordinated by MSUE staff.
- Recruit youth who are new to 4-H to join the members SPIN clubs.
- Possibility to attend family events where member will support healthy lifestyle activities, so families can learn about the mental, emotional, and physical health programming county office offers.
- Collect and report data each month using MSU Extension’s system. This includes participant surveys, attendance, and written narratives.
- Attend training twice a month with the 4-H HealthCorps cohort. Members will also take part in other AmeriCorps, 4-H, MSU Extension events and trainings as needed (up to 20% of total hours).
Qualifications:
- Passion and strong interest in mental health, emotional well-being, and physical health Experience working with varied populations (multiple ages, ethnicities, religions, etc.) Strong interest or experience working with youth of all ages (5-18).
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident Must be at least 18 years of age (there is no maximum age limit)
- Must pass the following background checks: National Sex Offender Public Website, HireRight, FBI Fingerprinting, and any additional checks based upon State of Residence.
- Must commit to serving 25 hours per week for the entire term: February 18, 2026 - November 13, 2026.
Work Environment:
These positions are housed across Michigan, at the MSU Extension office for the locations mentioned above. Most service will be in person, but some training may happen online. Members will have office space, a computer, and supplies.
Training and support will be provided, but members should be comfortable using technology and willing to learn new tools. MSU Extension uses programs like Teams, Zoom, and Outlook to stay connected, and members will be expected to use these. Members will work with the community and may sometimes serve during evenings or weekends. They will get regular feedback to support their growth and learning.
Compensation and Benefits:
- $12,000 living stipend, distributed bi-weekly, February 18 - November 13, 2026
- $3,697.50 education award
- Qualified student loan forgiveness and interest accrual repayment
- Continual professional growth and networking opportunities as a part of Michigan State University Extension, 4-H and Michigan’s AmeriCorps,
- If you're between 18–24, you may be eligible for exclusive perks like certifications in mental health and wellness, plus personalized career coaching to help you build a strong foundation for your future in youth work, education, or public health.
- Turn this experience into academic credit! Many schools allow you to count your service as an internship if it aligns with your degree requirements.
To Apply:
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Andrea Villanueva at villan17@msu.edu. Applications will be accepted until November. In your cover letter, please state which location(s) you are applying to:
- Clinton County (Saint Johns, MI)
- Genesee County (Flint, MI)
- Grant Traverse County (Traverse City, MI)
- Leelanau County (Sutton's Bay, MI)
- Luce County (Newberry, MI)
- Macomb County (Clinton Township, MI)
- Marquette County (Negaunee, MI)
- Muskegon County (Muskegon, MI)
- Oakland County (Pontiac, MI)
Applicants can apply to multiple positions with the same cover letter/application.
4-H HealthCorps recognizes that individuals interested in this position may not have employment experience with the listed roles, responsibilities, and preferred skills. That’s ok! 4-H HealthCorps values differences to enhance our teams. We’re looking to hire an individual with transferrable skills and experience from non-traditional employment roles who is eager to learn the rest. For support adding expertise to your cover letter, click here. For assistance adding those things to your resume, click here.
Michigan State University is an equal opportunity employer. University programs, activities, services and facilities are provided without regard for a persons age, color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), genetic information, disability status, ethnicity, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation), military or veteran status, or weight, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law. In carrying out this commitment, the university is guided by the applicable federal and state laws and regulations and policies adopted by the Board of Trustees. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations.