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4-H scholarships, grants and awards
Scholarships
Deadline
Application should be postmarked by April 1.
Amount
$3,000 (for one recipient or shared by two).
Criteria
- For adults who are training or retraining at an institution of higher learning in order to re-enter the workforce or to change jobs
- Applicant has been a 4-H member for at least five years and/or a 4-H adult volunteer for at least two years
- Applicant is/will be at least 30 years old by Jan. 1
- Applicant has not received this scholarship before
- Applicant is not an employee of the University of Minnesota Extension
- 2 letters of recommendation: one from previous/current employer or volunteer club leader and one from UMN Extension educator. Both letters must come from non-relatives.
- Plans demonstrate long-term goals and accomplishments
- Practical and do-able plan of action.
- Action plan rationale.
- Unique opportunities and circumstances.
- Application must be typed only.
- Application is accepted by mail only.
Scholarship recipients must give a written statement of their accomplishments related to the scholarship award. This will be shared with the donor and should include the following:
- Plans that demonstrate long-term goals and accomplishments.
- Practical and doable plan of action.
- Action plan rationale.
- Unique opportunities and circumstances.
Contact
Scholarship committee
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
wtansati@umn.edu or 1-612-624-7971
*The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not to the recipient.
Deadline
Apply by 4:30 p.m. Aug. 1.
Amount
$1,000 - 2,000
Criteria
For Minnesota 4-H livestock project participants who will be university undergraduates in the coming academic year.
To apply
Visit Minnesota 4-H Purple Ribbon Livestock Auction Scholarship for full details.
Contact
Karen Nelson, nelso367@umn.edu or 612-624-2116.
Deadline
Application should be postmarked by April 1
Amount
$1,000
Criteria
For Minnesota 4-H members who will be entering their freshman year at a Minnesota college or university. This is a one-time $1,000 scholarship awarded to six applicants for their education expenses, such as tuition, books, room and board, etc. The review committee will evaluate applicants on their scholastic achievements, 4-H involvement and leadership roles & positions.
Submit the following
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Official high school transcript
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2 letters of recommendation: one from a teacher or academic advisor and one from an Extension educator, 4-H program coordinator or volunteer club leader. Both letters must come from non-relatives.
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Individual photo of you (black and white or color, between 2 x 3” and 4 x 5”). The photo will not be returned.
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Completed financial need materials
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Application must be typed
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Application is accepted by mail only
Award notices will be distributed in June. The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not to the recipient.
Contact
Attn: Scholarship committee
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
wtansati@umn.edu or 1-612-624-7971
Deadline
Applications must be postmarked by Monday, March 1, 2021
Amount
$1,000
For 4-H members who are a high school senior or first year college student. Must currently be enrolled in one of the counties listed: Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock or Watonwan.
The family of Andrea Ruesch established a 4-H scholarship in memory of her dedication and contributions to the Minnesota 4-H program. Based on the family's belief in positive youth development, the focus of this scholarship is on demonstrated learning through hands-on experience and using what you have learned to help others (youth leadership). This is a one-time $1,000 scholarship and at least four scholarships will be awarded annually.
Visit the giving page for the Andrea Ruesch Regional 4-H scholarship to make a gift to support this scholarship fund.
How to apply
- Andrea Ruesch 4-H Regional Scholarship application. To download the application: click on the Andrea Ruesch 4-H Regional Scholarship application link, then click on File, then Download and select preferred format.
- Application must be typed.
- Two typed letters of recommendation from adults other than a family member or the local Extension educator 4-H Youth Development, who can attest to your 4-H involvement and leadership. The writer (i.e. past and present 4-H leaders, fair board members, teachers, pastors, youth workers, etc.) should indicate in the letter how long they have known you, reflections from your educational experiences and the leadership qualities they observe in you.
Award recipients will be notified in March. The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not the recipient, in January of the following year.
Send typed application and two typed letters of recommendation to Sharon Leopold, leopo008@umn.edu or mail to the address listed.
Contact
Attn: Sharon Leopold
Extension Regional Office - Worthington
1527 Prairie Drive, Worthington, MN 56187
leopo008@umn.edu or 507-372-3900, ext. 3901
Deadline
Postmarked by April 1
Amount
$1,250
For 4-H members or alumni who will be college freshmen. This one-time, $1,000 scholarship is for education expenses at a post-secondary institution in the United States. Applicants must intend to pursue a degree in agriculture, with a preference for students pursuing a degree in agronomy, soil science, horticulture, plant science, ag economics, agribusiness or closely related field.
Corn Capital Innovations (CCI) was formed in Olivia, Minnesota by Steve and Summer O’Neill in 2008. The family-owned business is an industry leader that helps crop producers develop innovative farm plans that integrate the four components of profitability: crop insurance, grain marketing, financial analysis, and yield building strategies. The O’Neills and many CCI employees are proud 4-H alumni.
The review committee will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, career interest area, community and 4-H involvement, and leadership roles and positions.
Applicants must submit the following:
- CCI Scholarship application form and essay.
- Official copy of current high school transcript.
- Two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher or academic advisor and one from an Extension educator, program coordinator, or club leader.
- One individual photo (black and white or color, between 2x3” and 4x5”). The photo will be used for publicity if you receive the scholarship; it will not be returned.
- Application must be typed only
- Application is accepted by mail only.
Award notices will be distributed in June. The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not to the recipient.
Contact
Attn: Scholarship committee
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
wtansati@umn.edu or 1-612-624-7971
Deadline
March 18
Amount
$1,000 or $500
Criteria
Write an essay or make a video about biofuels and you could win a scholarship of $1,000 or $500. This scholarship is open to Minnesota high school seniors.
Deadline
Postmarked by April 1.
Amount
$1,000
For entering accepted freshman or continuing sophomore. Award must be applied toward educational expenses at an accredited college or university in the United States.
This scholarship is designed to award youth based on their leadership experiences in 4-H, school and community as well as overall 4-H achievements, career goals and future leadership potential. The review committee will evaluate applications based on their scholastic achievement, financial need, 4-H involvement/leadership and community leadership experiences.
How to apply
- Pace Leadership Scholarship application.
- Official high school transcript (if current high school senior) OR official college transcript (if applying as a college freshman).
- Letter of recommendation from an academic advisor.
- Letter of recommendation from a UMN Extension educator or volunteer leader. Letters must be from non-family members.
- One individual photo of applicant (black & white or color). The photo will not be returned.
- Application must be typed only.
- Application is accepted by mail only.
Award notices are sent in June. The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not to the recipient.
Contact
Attn: Scholarship committee
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
wtansati@umn.edu or 1-612-624-7971
Deadline
Postmarked by April 1
Amount
$1,500
For Minnesota 4-H members or alumni who will be entering their freshman year at a school in the University of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System (Minnesota State) or University of Minnesota campus. There are two scholarships in the amount of $1,500 and are awarded annually. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to qualify. Selected recipients may re-apply annually, up to three times. A grade point average of 3.0 or above must be maintained in order for re-application to be approved. Maximum award for each student is $6,000. Award notices are sent in June.
Application must be typed and arrive by mail.
The review committee will evaluate applications based on financial need, reasons to attend college, career plans and goals, 4-H leadership and citizenship, major 4-H offices held, major 4-H projects, 4-H achievement, 4-H awards and recognition, letters of reference and additional community and school leadership and citizenship activities. The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not to the recipient.
Contact
Attn: Scholarship committee
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
wtansati@umn.edu or 1-612-624-7971
Deadline
Feb. 24
Amount
$750
For a college junior or senior or first-year graduate student at the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin, North Dakota State University at Fargo, South Dakota State University at Brookings, Iowa State University at Ames, or Michigan State University at East Lansing. The applicant must be a resident of Minnesota or Wisconsin and majoring in agriculture, specifically animal science, agricultural marketing, agricultural business or agricultural education.
A student may be awarded the Lamphere scholarship only once and may not receive the McKerrow scholarship in the same year.
This $750 scholarship is in memory of Lyle Lamphere, long-time supporter of agricultural activities in Minnesota and, for many years, secretary of the Minnesota Livestock Breeders' Association. Mr. Lamphere was a vocational agriculture teacher, Pepin Wisconsin County Extension Agent and a 38-year employee of Central Livestock Association in South St. Paul. He assumed major roles in livestock improvement programs, cattle feeders' clinics, meat-type hog shows, Future Farmers of America marketing schools and the Minnesota 4-H Market Livestock Show and Minnesota State Fair purple ribbon auction.
Deadline
Feb. 24
Amount
$500
For an outstanding Minnesota 4-H or FFA member of alum who is a high school senior and will be a freshman at an agricultural college at University of Minnesota - St. Paul or Crookston; University of Wisconsin, River Falls; South Dakota State University; North Dakota State University; or Iowa State University. The student must be pursuing an animal agriculture major. Scholarship must be claimed within one year of awarding.
Deadline
Feb. 24
Amount
$500
For a university-enrolled Minnesota resident majoring or minoring in animal science. Must be entering their sophomore, junior or senior year at the University of Minnesota St. Paul or Crookston campus. No student may be awarded the McKerrow Scholarship more than once. Scholarship must be claimed within one year of awarding.
Deadline
Apply by Aug. 3
Amount
$1,000 (20 recipients)
For young adults from greater Minnesota or enrolled in an agriculture program and participating in the state fair. Recipients will be notified by telephone in August.
Deadline
Postmarked by April 1.
Amount
$250
For Minnesota 4-H'ers and alumni in Olmsted County who will be freshmen year at a post-secondary college in the state of Minnesota to be used toward education expenses. The review committee will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, 4-H involvement and leadership roles & positions.
Applicants must submit the following:
- Searles Family Scholarship application
- Official high school transcript
- 2 letters of recommendation: one from a teacher or academic advisor and one from an Extension educator or club leader. Both letters must come from non-relatives.
- 1 individual photo of you (black and white or color, between 2 x 3” and 4 x 5”). The photo will not be returned.
- Application must be typed only
- Application is accepted by mail only
Award notices will be distributed in June. The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not to the recipient.
Contact
Scholarship committee
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
wtansati@umn.edu or 1-612-624-7971
Deadline
Entry deadline is May 15.
Amount
$1000
If you own an off-the-track thoroughbred, you can earn a scholarship for school. All 4-H'ers in 6th grade and up are eligible.
Awards
Deadline
March 1
This award program funds worthy projects that Minnesota 4-H youth seek to pursue in partnership with supportive adults and local businesses.
Programs and projects led by youth are eligible to apply. Occasionally, projects that help adults serve youth more effectively are also considered. Average awards are between $200 and $2,000. Multiple proposals from the same Minnesota 4-H county are welcome. Projects that have previously received two or more years of funding will not be considered.
Proposals that meet the following criteria will be prioritized by the selection committee.
- Expands access to 4-H to new and diverse youth participants
- Youth led, demonstrates that adults are playing supportive (rather than leadership) roles
- Clearly partnered with one or more local organization or business for funding, supplies, etc.
- Has long-term impact, rather than a one-time project or activity
- Is unique, creative and innovative, rather than a repetition of prior efforts
May 1: Awards announced and funds available.
- Helping Hands Award application
- 2020 Helping Hands Award evaluation form
- 2021 Helping Hands Award evaluation form
- 2021 award recipients
Contact
Helping Hands committee
9 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
wtansati@umn.edu or 1-612-624-7971
Do you have a special community project that you worked on in your 4-H club or in a smaller project group in your county? If yes, please consider applying for this award!
The Extension Committee of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) will select two projects for this honor.
Every year, the AMC selects two 4-H club projects to receive awards of $500, in recognition for their contributions and service to their communities.\
These youth-driven projects must respond to real community needs and also make a great impact. The awards will be presented at the annual AMC Legislative Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Paul in February 2021.
Purpose
To recognize 4-H clubs and other organized 4-H youth development programs for outstanding contributions and service to their local communities.
Criteria
- The service or leadership project must be organized by a recognized 4-H club or other recognized 4-H youth development program.
- The project must engage multiple members of the 4-H club or group and not just a few individuals or families.
- The project must respond to real community need(s).
- The project must have made an impact during the 2020 calendar year.
- Youth must be involved in significant leadership roles, including project selection.
Application materials required
- AMC 4-H Community Leadership Award application cover page form (see application form).
- Summary of your project (see application form).
- Letter of support from a county commissioner or other community leader verifying project completion and effectiveness.
- Copies of any additional support materials such as a more detailed description of the project, photographs, newspaper clippings, etc. Be selective. (Optional)
- Completed application packet
Deadline
Jan. 7, 2021
Submit by email attachment or by mail to
AMC - Ryan Erdmann
125 Charles Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55103-2108
Phone: 651-789-4345
erdmann@mncounties.org
Awards event
The awards will be presented during the AMC Legislative Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in St. Paul. Four members of each winning project will be invited to the event to receive the award. One youth is typically asked to make a few brief comments to an audience of county commissioners. This award is a great opportunity for counties and regions to recognize its 4-H members.
Questions
Contact Ryan Erdmann at erdmann@mncounties.org or 651-789-4345.
For 4-H Horse Project volunteers
Each county may select one adult volunteer supporting their horse project per year. Each county determines its own selection process and submits the name to Renee Kostick at the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office in Brainerd via their county or regional office by July 1. County award winners are listed in the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show program and receive a certificate from the state 4-H horse PDC. Winners who are present at the 4-H State Horse Show awards presentation will be asked to stand for recognition. This award replaces the Green Blood Award, which retired in 2008.
- Selection is determined by each county.
- The individual must be an adult volunteer for the 4-H horse project in the county.
- Award winner names and their county need to be sent by the county or regional Extension office to Renee Kostick by July 1 to be included in that year's state horse show program listing.
2019 County All Star Volunteer award recipients
- Anoka County - Wendy Baumgardt
- Becker County - Andrea Hoff
- Brown County - Julie Hellendrung
- Crow Wing County - Lorrae Schneider
- Hennepin County - Katie Won
- Kittson County - Bev Swenson
- McLeod County - Laurie Snegosky
- Murray County - Stacy Posthuma
- Nicollet County - Barb Klaseus
- Redwood County - Cindy Wittwer Swierenga
- Sherburne County - Deb Rizk
- Watonwan County - Joleen Braaten
For 4-H Horse Project participants
Due date
April 8
Yearly award to one 4-H'er for overall achievement, leadership and service.
Requirements
- Enrolled in the Minnesota 4-H Horse or Horseless Project for at least two years.
- At least one year of horse-related leadership.
- Participation in at least one of the following: Horse Bowl, speech/demonstration contest, judging or hippology team, county/cluster leadership workshop, camp or retreat, Winter Roundup, YELLO or similar county, region, state or national leadership activity.
Get more information about the Dan Patch and Youth Leadership Award.
For 4-H Horse Project supporters
Members of the state horse project development committee (PDC) nominate up to five supporters each year. The PDC welcomes recommendations. Winners are selected by the awards and recognition committee of the state 4-H horse PDC and plaques are awarded during the Minnesota 4-H State Horse Show.
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Nominees must contribute time, goods or money to Minnesota State 4-H Horse Project events.
- Nominees may not be 4-H volunteers working with the horse project.
- Names are submitted by the awards and recognition committee of the state 4-H horse PDC, which selects the nominees to recognize.
Deadline
Varies by county, Check with your local 4-H staff.
4-H is proud of its youth leaders! The Key Award recognizes your contributions to your club and the community, and encourages you to grow as an outstanding citizen. For young women, the award is a gold key is mounted on an attractive necklace. For young men, the gold key is on a tie tack. The key and a certificate are presented at a countywide event.
Eligibility guidelines
- Must have completed your sophomore year in high school
- Be a 4-H member for at least five years
- Have at least three years of active 4-H youth leadership
- Must meet seven of nine leadership requirements (see application for details)
Questions: fourh@umn.edu or 1-612-624-2116
Deadline
Jan. 10
The National 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Recognition Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who show exemplary service to 4-H and promote service through volunteerism as both an opportunity and a privilege.
One volunteer in each category will be named the state honoree.
- The Volunteer of the Year Award is for people who have served as 4-H volunteers for less than 10 years at the local, county, district or state level.
- The Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award is for people who have served 10 or more years at the local, county, region or state level.
How to nominate someone
Submit materials electronically to Becky Harrington (willi107@umn.edu), director of operations and systems, no later than Jan.10.
Each completed application must include
- Three letters of recommendation. One of them must be written by a 4-H Extension educator or other 4-H program staff with whom the volunteer serves. The other two letters must be written by someone who knows the nominated volunteer in their 4-H role -- another member, parent or fellow volunteer. Letters should be no more than two pages long, in 12-point font and with 1-inch margins.
- Narrative, 12-point font, 1 inch margins, not to exceed 3 pages, that covers
- Name, county/tribal program and address of volunteer being nominated
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Name, email/address, and phone number of person submitting nomination.
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Award volunteer is nominated (Volunteer of the Year or Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer)
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Brief overview of why the nominee deserves this award (500 words or less).
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Evidence of a positive impact on the lives of 4-H youth. Include information on their ability to work with young people in a way that promotes youth empowerment, decision-making, problem solving & mastery, and dedication to youth/adult partnerships and mentor/learner relationships.
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Evidence of how the volunteer works to strengthen the 4-H youth development program. For example: engaging new and diverse audiences; providing a safe and inclusive environment for youth; innovative approaches to recruiting other 4-H volunteers or partnering with other agencies; working with 4-H program coordinators as partners to develop programming; or developing funding for the program.
- Personal attributes. Include evidence of professional attitude, character, morals and personal growth from being a 4-H volunteer (that you have observed).
- List personal involvement in 4-H.
- Local 4-H roles (4-H project leader; community 4-H club leader, etc.). Include summary of years, roles, and organizations.
- County or region 4-H roles. Include summary of years, roles and organizations.
- State/regional/national 4-H roles. Include summary of years, roles and organizations.
- Relevant 4-H honors/awards and years received.
- Relevant non-4-H volunteer roles. Include a summary of years, roles and organizations.
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After state honorees are selected, additional information may be sought from the nominator.
Timeline
- Nominations are due to Becky Harrington (willi107@umn.edu), director of operations and systems, no later than Jan. 10. State honorees will be selected from those nominated.
Contact
Becky Harrington, director of operations and systems
Extension Center for Youth Development
475 Coffey Hall
1420 Eckles Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55108
willi107@umn.edu
612-624-7974
Deadline
We must receive your application between Oct. 1 through the day after Labor Day.
You must be enrolled in 4-H before entering this contest. You may not enter both the Paint and Arabian contest in the same year.
Entry forms
Mail or e-mail your application, essay and consent and release of liability form to:
Cathy and Jordon Giefer
318 W. Myrtle St
St. Peter, MN 56082
Email: cathygiefer@hickorytech.net
Phone: 507-766-7667
Deadline
We must receive your application between Oct. 1 through the day after Labor Day.
Already enrolled in 4-H? Send us a one to two-page typed essay on "What owning a paint horse would mean to me." You may not enter both the Paint and Arabian contests in the same year.
Entry forms
Mail or email your application, essay and consent and release of liability form to
Cathy and Jordon Giefer
318 W. Myrtle St
St. Peter, MN 56082
Email: cathygiefer@hickorytech.net
Phone: 507-766-7667