Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Nebraska 4-H Foundation

Quick overview The Nebraska 4-H Foundation awards up to $22,000 in scholarships each year to 4‑H members across the state. Read these guidelines carefully before you start your application so you don’t miss a step.

Important deadline

• Submit the Nebraska 4‑H Achievement Application for state-level review by January 5.

How to apply (step-by-step)

1. Go to the Nebraska 4‑H Achievement Application webpage and follow the instructions there.
2. If you are applying for more than one Nebraska 4‑H Foundation scholarship, submit only one Achievement Application.
3. Exception: if you are applying ONLY for the Joe Citta, Jr. Scholarship for Outdoor Stewardship, use the separate Joe Citta application linked on the website.
4. If you have questions about other sources of aid, consult your county Extension Office and the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend — there may be additional grants, scholarships, or low‑interest loans available.
5. Note: scholarship availability can change without notice.

Who is eligible (general rules)

• Must be a current high school senior (graduating this spring and planning to start college that fall) OR a current college freshman at an accredited university.
  • Exception: applicants for the Grand Island Horse Scholarship may apply beginning after their sophomore year of high school.
• Must have completed at least one year of 4‑H and be a current 4‑H member, unless a specific scholarship’s rules say otherwise.
• Additional, scholarship‑specific eligibility criteria may apply — check the individual scholarship descriptions.

What the judges consider (selection criteria) Scholarship decisions are scored and awarded to the highest overall applicants based on:

• 4‑H background and participation
• Leadership abilities
• Interest in and commitment to further education
• Scholastic achievement

How awards are paid

1. Scholarship funds are released only after the recipient has completed the first college semester (or the semester after the application review) and is in good scholastic standing — minimum cumulative grade point average of a C (2.0).
2. Recipients must submit their first semester grades/transcript to the Nebraska 4‑H Foundation.
3. After the Foundation verifies satisfactory academic standing, the scholarship check is sent directly to the recipient’s college Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Privacy and use of application information

• Information submitted on the Achievement Application is treated as confidential.
• Personal information about scholarship winners may be used for local publicity and press releases.
• Only the application review committee will have access to transcripts and test scores.

Scholarships currently available (examples)

• Donna Wampler Endowed Scholarship
• Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply 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
• Grand Island Saddle Club Horse Scholarship
• R.B. Warren 4‑H Horse Educational Scholarship
• Audrey Olsan Memorial Horse Scholarship

If you want, I can help you turn this into a one‑page checklist to use while filling out the Achievement Application.