Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Nebraska 4-H Foundation

Overview
If you’re a current 4-H member planning to enroll in college next fall (or you’re already a college freshman), the Nebraska 4-H Foundation offers scholarship support — up to $22,000 awarded statewide each year. Read the requirements closely and follow the instructions exactly; incomplete or late materials can’t be considered.

How to apply (deadlines and forms)
- Deadline: Submit the Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application for state-level review by January 5. Follow the instructions on the Nebraska 4-H Achievement Application webpage.
- One application only: If you want to be considered for multiple Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarships, submit only one Achievement Application.
- Exception: If you are applying only for the Joe Citta, Jr. Scholarship for Outdoor Stewardship, use the separate scholarship application for that award.

Eligibility (general rules)
These are the baseline requirements for most Nebraska 4-H Foundation scholarships. Some scholarships have additional, specific rules — see the individual listings for details.
- Must be a current high school senior graduating in the spring of the current year and planning to attend college in the fall, or a current college freshman at an accredited university (check specific scholarship school regulations).
- Exception: Applicants for the Grand Island Horse Scholarship may apply after their sophomore year in high school.
- Must have completed at least one year of 4‑H and be a current 4‑H member, unless a specific scholarship states otherwise.

Selection criteria
Applications are reviewed by a committee and scored. The judges consider:
- 4‑H background and involvement
- Leadership abilities
- Interest and desire for further education
- Scholastic achievements

Awarding the scholarship
- Scholarship funds are awarded only after successful completion of the first college semester (or the semester following the application review process).
- The recipient must be in good scholastic standing in college (minimum C average, 2.0 GPA).
- You must provide a copy of your first-semester grades to the Nebraska 4‑H Foundation before any funds are released.
- Once the Foundation receives your transcript and verifies satisfactory standing, the check will be sent directly to your college’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Privacy and use of application information
- Information you submit on the Achievement Application is kept confidential.
- Personal information about scholarship winners may be used for local publicity and press releases.
- Transcripts and test scores are viewed only by the application review committee.

Helpful tips
- Talk with your county Extension Office early — they can help you prepare a stronger application.
- Contact the financial aid office at the college(s) you’re considering; there may be additional grants, scholarships, or low-interest loans available.
- Scholarship availability can change without notice, so check the Foundation’s website for the most current information.

Scholarships available (selected list)
- Donna Wampler Endowed Scholarship
- Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship
- Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship (Scottsbluff/Morrill Counties)
- The 4‑H Legacy Scholarship
- Women in STEM Scholarship
- Rose and Guy Richard McDonald Scholarship
- Kimberly Family Memorial Scholarship Fund (Keith County only)
- Joe Citta, Jr. Scholarship for Outdoor Stewardship
- Horse Scholarship — Grand Island Saddle Club
- Horse Scholarship — R.B. Warren 4‑H Horse Educational Scholarship

If you’d like, I can help you outline an Achievement Application, review a draft, or point you to the specific scholarship pages for eligibility details.