The 4-H Club at Oakland Avenue Urban Farm

The 4-H Club at OAUF serves youth In Detroit’s Historic North End and surrounding neighborhoods, inspiring leadership and learning through agriculture and STEM education.

With support from the Michigan State Fair and MSU Extension,

our program provides hands-on experiences in urban farming, food systems, and technology, equipping youth with valuable skills in agriculture, robotics, and leadership.

The integration of our 4-H Robotics Team further expands these opportunities by offering youth hands-on experiences in engineering, coding, and problem-solving. This innovative program bridges STEM education and sustainable agriculture, empowering participants to apply robotics and automation in real-world farming applications. Guided by the core values of 4-H—Head, Heart, Hands, and Health—youth develop intellectual growth, leadership skills, and resilience through teamwork and community service.

Through this work, we continue to break down social, economic, and educational barriers, preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in an evolving world.

Our current robotics program supports 15 youth, each receiving scholarships upon completing the six-month curriculum. We are actively seeking funding from various sources to expand the program to serve 30 youth, ensuring all participants receive scholarships to support their educational and career aspirations. Through this work, we continue to break down social, economic, and educational barriers, preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in an evolving world.