Scholarships
All California 4-H members and alumni who qualify can apply for 4-H higher education scholarships to go to schools after high school. These schools can be vocational schools, colleges, or universities.
If you are interested in starting a 4-H scholarship fund, please contact the California 4-H Foundation.
Other scholarships that may be of interest to 4-H members and alumni are listed below the 4-H scholarship information.
4-H Higher Education Scholarships
Dean Memorial Legacy Scholarship
Award: $1,000 scholarship
Number awarded: At least 3 (depending on funding)
Award shall be given to a student pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor.
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. Please see the Essay Prompt for this scholarship.
About the Dean Memorial Legacy Scholarship
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.
Mabel W. Jacks Scholarship
Award: $2000 scholarship
Number awarded: Up to 4
Awards shall be given to students pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor.
Consideration will be given to those students pursuing higher education who, without a scholarship, might otherwise be unable to attend a college or university (financial need). Financial need is determined based on the application. Please see the Essay Prompt for this scholarship.
The Mabel W. Jacks Endowment Fund is in memory of R.C. Jacks, an enthusiastic supporter of both 4-H and FFA.
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. Please see the Essay Prompt for this scholarship.
Ehn Family Scholarship
Award: $2000 scholarship
Number awarded: 1
The Ehn Family Scholarship shall be given to students pursuing agricultural engineering, or related field at a post-secondary accredited college or university. This scholarship’s focus is for those pursuing the use of technology to enhance agricultural practices or solve agricultural problems. Consideration will be given to those students who were 4-H members in Fresno County, and open to all California 4-H alumni from any geographic area. Please see the Essay Prompt for this scholarship.
4-H Higher Education Scholarship Applications
Open until September 9, 2024, 11:59pm
Please see all the information below before starting your online application. You can only submit once and will not be able to save your place and return.
Qualifications for 4-H Higher Education Scholarships
A high school graduate or equivalent who can show proof of enrollment in an institution of higher education, including an accredited vocational school, college, or university.
Enrolled in the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program at the time of high school graduation or equivalent, such as receiving a General Education Diploma (GED)
You must be enrolled or planning to enroll in at least half of the full-time course load as defined by your school.
You are no older than 25 as of December 31st of the application year.
You may apply for multiple scholarships but are only eligible to receive one yearly scholarship.
Previous scholarship recipients may reapply.
4-H Higher Education Scholarship Application Requirements
Complete all information on the application survey and submit one time only. You will not be able to save your progress and return later.
Include a link to a folder* with all of your attachments. All documents must be in a PDF format.
Attachments include:
Essays – application essay plus essays for individual scholarships. Please see Essay Prompts for format and subject requirements.
4-H Resume
Unofficial transcript from higher education institution or verification of enrollment for the upcoming year (acceptance letters are not sufficient).
Applications that do not include all the above listed items will not be evaluated.
Submitted materials become the property of the California State 4-H Office and may be used for marketing and public relations purposes.
* Save PDF versions of your attached documents into a folder (Google is preferred, and platforms such as Box or Dropbox also work). Ensure the link for the folder is set to “anyone with the link can access”. NOTE: Double check your document links to make sure they work. We will not evaluate inaccessible documents.
4-H Higher Education Scholarship Award Notifications
late October – notifications sent
January - award money distributed*
This is the general timeline, and these dates are subject to change.
* Award recipients must submit a photograph, a completed W-9 form and a thank-you letter to the donor before receiving the check.
Award recipients are responsible for reporting funds received as income if they are not used for qualified educational expenses.
Other Scholarship Opportunities
The following scholarships may be of interest to 4-H seniors and alumni. Please note that each scholarship has its own deadlines and requirements.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America scholarship
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America’s Scholarship Program is established to recognize young people that are actively involved in the sport of dogs, with emphasis on Pembroke Welsh Corgis. The PWCCA will award up to $2,000 to one or more qualified students currently enrolled or who plan to be enrolled in an institute of higher education. This includes high school seniors, high school graduates, and those already enrolled in higher education. Learn more about the PWCCA Scholarship.
Dellavalle Soil Science Scholarship
The purpose of the Dellavalle Scholarship is to encourage high school students to pursue careers in soil science. A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a California high school senior who plans to pursue a degree in a soil-science related field. Learn more about the Dellavalle Soil Science Scholarship.
University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources
The University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources (UC ANR) offers scholarships for currently enrolled college students and graduate students with agriculture-focused majors. Learn more about scholarships offered by UC ANR.
Questions?
Please contact Gemma Miner at gmminer@ucanr.edu.