Ohio 4-H Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Ohio 4-H Foundation

If you’ve participated in Ohio 4‑H, you should know there are scholarship opportunities designed to recognize the leadership, citizenship, project work, and community service you’ve done. These Ohio 4‑H Scholarships (created in 1976) support young people who are becoming productive, self‑directing members of their communities. Below is a clear, teacher‑friendly guide to what you need to do, what reviewers will look for, and when to apply.

Key points and deadlines
- Deadline for priority consideration: February 15. Submit the college scholarship application by this date to receive priority review. Applications submitted after Feb. 15 will be considered only if funding remains.
- Awards are for one academic year only. If you want scholarship consideration in future years, submit the application each year.
- In addition to these state scholarships, many counties offer their own 4‑H scholarships. Check with your county OSU Extension office for county‑level opportunities.

Who should apply
- Both incoming freshmen and currently enrolled college students are encouraged to apply. Complete the application as thoroughly as possible so you can be considered for all scholarships for which you qualify.

If you plan to attend Ohio State (incoming freshmen)
- Apply for admission to Ohio State before you start the online scholarship application. Information from your admission application (major, GPA, rank, etc.) will be used when evaluating your scholarship application.
- Your OSU username.# and ID# appear on your admission receipt email — have these ready if you’ll be an OSU student.
- If you are applying to the Columbus campus, check merit scholarship opportunities at: undergrad.osu.edu/cost-and-aid/merit-based-scholarships.

What reviewers use to make awards
- The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences uses the information you provide to match you with scholarships that have specific criteria. The required personal statement is especially important — reviewers use it to decide recipients.

Before you begin: information to have ready
Gather these items before starting the application so you can complete it in one sitting:
- High school GPA and class rank (if applicable)
- Academic honors and awards you have received
- If you are or will be an OSU student: OSU username.# and ID# (from your admission receipt email)
- The name, city, and state of your current or intended college/university
- Your intended academic major
- Detailed information about your main 4‑H leadership roles: role name, years served, level (club, county, state, national), your duties, and significant accomplishments
- Detailed information about major 4‑H honors and awards
- A brief description of your educational, career, or personal goals and how 4‑H has influenced those goals
- A personal statement that explains:
- Why a 4‑H scholarship is important to your ability to obtain a college education, and
- How 4‑H has contributed to your development (leadership, skills, character) and will help you succeed in the future

A few teacher tips for a stronger application
- Be specific: list years, exact role titles, duties, and measurable accomplishments.
- Tell a story in your personal statement: connect a concrete 4‑H experience to the person you are becoming and to your future goals.
- Proofread carefully and be honest — reviewers value clarity, detail, and sincerity.

Questions or help
- Contact your local OSU Extension office for county‑level scholarship listings and help with the application.