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Scholarships

Missouri 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Students holding scholarship certificates pose for a photo.

The Missouri 4-H Foundation offers educational scholarships for 4-H youth and former 4-H members pursuing post-secondary study.

More than sixty scholarships are available, each ranging from $500 to $2,500. One scholarship application allows the applicant to be considered for any available scholarship, subject to the conditions specified by the donor.


Congratulations to the 2023 Missouri 4-H Foundation Scholarship recipients (PDF).

2024 Missouri 4-H Foundation scholarship applications will be accepted Jan. 1 to March 1, 2024.

Guidelines

  • For sections 1 and 2 of the application, applicants will be asked to submit biographical data and financial need information using the online form.
  • For sections 3–5 of the application, applicants will be asked to upload copies of their essays. Use plain white 8½ x 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins. Use 12-point Arial font and single-spaced layout. Please save and upload essays as PDF files.
  • Applicants must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 on a 4.0 scale unless otherwise defined by the donor. Home-school youth may submit an ACT/SAT if a transcript is not available. (ACT scores of 17 and above and SAT scores of 1000 and above equate the minimum GPA of 2.50)
  • The scholarship must be used within nine months after it is awarded (applicant must be a high school senior or higher and enrolled in post-secondary school).

Scholarship selection criteria

A committee determines scholarship selection based on the following score system unless otherwise defined by the scholarship donor:

  • 70% 4-H achievement
  • 20% financial need
  • 10% work/career goals

Financial need scoring is determined as follows:

  • 1 point for each dependent child under the age of 21 in the family
  • 2 points for each family member attending college

Adjusted gross income:

  • 10 points – $25,000 and under
  • 7 points – $25,001 to $40,000
  • 5 points – $40,001 to $55,000
  • 2 points – $55,001 and above

Scholarship application instructions

The application is comprised of the following sections:

Sections 1 and 2: Biographical Data and Financial Need Information

  • Submitted online using the form link provided.

(Sections 3 and 4 must be typed and uploaded to the online application.)

Section 3: 4-H Experience Essay (two-page maximum)

Share information about your experience in 4-H. Emphasize your personal growth and development. Include in your essay how your 4-H projects, activities and experiences have helped you learn, grow, and positively affect others or your community.

Section 4: Career Goals Essay (one page maximum)

Share how your post-secondary education will assist you in achieving your career goals.

Section 5: Optional Additional Essays (one page maximum)

In order to be considered for the following scholarships, answer the corresponding question for the applicable scholarship:

  • 4-H Youth Futures Scholarships (4-H Youth Futures Participants Only):
    How has the 4-H Youth Futures Program helped you prepare for college and your career?
  • Jack R. Horton, DVM Memorial 4-H Scholarship (Boone County Residents Only):
    What are your career plans in animal science?
  • Jackson County 4-H Foundation Scholarship (Jackson County Residents Only):
    Describe your involvement in 4-H service projects. How has volunteering in 4-H service projects made an impact on you, as well as your club, community, country and/or world? How do you exemplify love and passion for 4-H?
  • Jason Barnes Memorial Equine Scholarship (Open to all):
    Jason Barnes loved his horses and had a great passion for helping others grow their love of horsemanship. How do you exemplify Jason's passion for horsemanship? How have your 4-H horsemanship experiences shaped your goals for college, your career, and your life?
  • Warren and Betty Sapp 4-H Scholarship (Open to all):
    What are your career plans and how do you intend to engage with sustainable farming or services within rural communities?

Section 6: Academic Record

An unofficial copy of your high school or college transcript must be uploaded to the online appication. GPA must be identified on the transcript. Home school youth may submit a copy of ACT or SAT scores if a transcript is not available.