4-H Scholarships

The UC 4-H Youth Development Program is committed to promoting higher education. With help from donors, statewide scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors and college-attending students. 

The candidate for any 4-H scholarship must be:

• A high school graduate, or equivalent who is already enrolled in or accepted to an institution of higher education. Institutions of higher education include accredited vocational schools, colleges or universities.
• Enrolled in the UC 4-H Youth Development Program at the time of high school graduation or equivalent, such as receiving a General Education Diploma (GED)
• Enrolled or planning to enroll in at least half of the full-time course load as defined by the applicant's institution.  
• Not older than 25 as of December 31st of the application year.

Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships but are only eligible to receive one scholarship per year. Previous scholarship recipients may reapply.

PLEASE NOTE: Although the State Office attempts to confirm donor funds prior to releasing this process, some scholarships may not be awarded due to lack of funding by donors. We encourage applicants to apply regardless.

Funds for qualified educational expenses (e.g., books, tuition, other required fees) that are provided to scholarship awardees, are not taxable for the recipient. When scholarship awardees receive funds that may be used for non-qualified expenses, then the recipient is responsible for reporting to IRS the amount of funds received as taxable income.

All scholarships use the same application survey. Complete the application only once.

Gather your materials and read the essay prompts BEFORE starting the online application.

Complete this application only once. Previous scholarship recipients may reapply. Submitted materials become the property of the California State 4-H Office and may be used for marketing and public relations purposes. Selected candidates will need to complete a W-9 with a personal Social Security number, a thank-you letter to the donor, and a photograph before a check will be issued.

DIRECTIONS:

• Complete all information on this survey.
• Complete the essays that are required for each scholarship. Essay prompts found here.
• Provide a url link to your own folder that includes these documents in PDF format only:
  • Essays (12 pt. font, double spaced)
  • 4-H Resume (more info here)
  • Transcript or verification of enrollment for the upcoming year
      (Acceptance letter is not sufficient).
• Preferred url link is Google. Acceptable are Box.com, Dropbox.com or other similar platforms. Ensure the link that you provide is set to "anyone with the link can access".
• Applications that do not include all the above listed items will not be evaluated.
• Double check your links to make sure they work. We will not evaluate inaccessible documents.

Award notification is typically sent out in late October, and award money is typically dispersed in January.

Scholarships Available through UC 4-H

PLEASE NOTE: Although the State Office attempts to confirm donor funds prior to releasing this process, some scholarships may not be awarded due to lack of funding by donors. We encourage applicants to apply regardless.

Applications must be submitted no later than September 11, 2023, 11:59 p.m. All required information must be included with the application to be considered.

Dean Memorial Legacy Scholarship

Award: $1,000 scholarship
Number awarded: At least 3 (depending on funding)

For nearly 40 years, Bob and Pat Dean were passionately devoted to the 4-H Youth Development Program and the California 4-H Foundation. Without children of their own, Bob and Pat considered the 4-H youth their children. Through this scholarship fund, they have insured the future of their family.

• Candidates are judged on how 4-H has influenced their future plans, their involvement with leadership and civic engagement experiences, and demonstrating a level of skill and knowledge in any project area.
• Award shall be given to a student pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor.
  

Mabel W. Jacks Scholarship

Award: $1000 scholarship
Number awarded: Up to 5

The Mabel W. Jacks Endowment Fund is in memory of R.C. Jacks, an enthusiastic supporter of both 4-H and FFA.

Awards shall be given to students pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor.

Consideration will be given to those students pursuing higher education who, in the absence of a scholarship, might otherwise be unable to attend a college or university (financial need). Financial need is determined based on the application.

Please note: 4-H members enrolled in Nevada State 4-H at the time of their high school graduation are also eligible.

Samarin Family Vocational Scholarship

Award: $1000 scholarship
Number awarded: Up to 2

Candidates must be enrolled in, or intending to enroll in (upon high school graduation), a vocational/trade school or junior college vocational training program in the United States.

Note: Vocational education is organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment or for additional preparation for a career requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree. Examples include automotive technician, welder, forester, drafter, dental assistant, medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and other vocational fields.

Consideration will be given first to those students who, in the absence of a scholarship, might otherwise be unable to attend a vocational or trade school, or junior college vocational training program. All applicants in need of encouragement and support in pursuing a vocational program will be considered.

Applications will be judged on financial need and how the scholarship will help the candidate reach their vocational education goals. These are evaluated based on the applicant's essay.