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Scholarships

The Illinois 4-H Program provides several different ways for members to apply for educational scholarships. All of the following scholarship programs are available on a competitive basis:

  • Illinois 4-H Scholarship: This merit-based scholarship is awarded to five Illinois 4-H members in each category listed below. Scholarships are $1,000 and can be used to pay for any college-related costs. Scholarships are paid directly to the educational institution of the member’s choice. Members must be 15-18 years old, be currently enrolled in the Illinois 4-H program, and must have been a 4-H member for a minimum of 2 years. Applications must be submitted to the State 4-H Office by November 1.

   Categories include:

    • Animal Science
    • Civic Engagement/Global Living
    • Creating Performing Arts & Communication
    • Food Systems
    • Healthy Living/Nutrition
    • Leadership
    • Natural Resources & Environmental Science
    • Personal Growth
    • STEM/Robotics
  • Superior Young Producer Scholarship Program: While not sponsored by the Illinois 4-H program, this scholarship program is open to 4-H and FFA members who are enrolled in beef, sheep, swine, dairy, or horses. The program is sponsored by the Illinois State Fair. Three $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year in horses and dairy; nine scholarships are distributed among beef, sheep and swine project members. Contests are held during the Illinois State Fair show for each species. Members must compete in 3 to 4 individual segments that vary according to species: management test, skill-a-thon, judging contest, and/or meat identification or testing. Contestants must be 14 - 18 years of age to compete. LEARN MORE HERE

Superior Young Producers Scholarship

The Superior Young Producer Awards Scholarship Program is offered by the Illinois State Fair to 4-H members in Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, and Horses as an educational activity at the Illinois State Fair to promote youth development and personal growth. Three $1,000 scholarships will be provided in horses and three $1,000 scholarships will be provided in dairy. A total of nine $1,000 scholarships will be provided in a combined contest for beef, sheep, and swine contestants.

Contest Dates

  • Horse: July 25
  • Dairy: Aug. 18
  • Combined Beef/Sheep/Swine; Aug. 8

Guidelines for 2018 Contest

  • The SYPA contest is open to any youth 14 years of age or older (on Jan. 1, 2018) who are current Illinois 4-H members who are enrolled in that project.
  • Participants do not have to be exhibiting animals at the Illinois State Fair in order to participate in the SYPA contest.
  • Entries are requested prior to the State Fair Junior Shows and available at the Illinois State Fair website.
  • A participant may receive only one scholarship throughout their career. Further, after receiving a scholarship in any of the specie award areas, the eligible 4-H member may participate in other specie award programs in following years but will be eligible to receive phase awards only.
  • In order to receive a scholarship, the 4-H post-secondary trade school, or advanced educational program.
  • Scholarship monies are paid directly by the Illinois 4-H Foundation to the institution where the student is enrolled. 

Sponsors

Compeer Financial sponsors awards for the Horse and Dairy contests.

CME sponsors awards for the Beef, Sheep, and Swine contests.

The Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders Association and the Illinois State Fair provide award plaques.

LEARN MORE 

Illinois 4-H Scholarship

This award recognizes youth who have demonstrated and maintained a high standard of 4-H excellence and mastery during their membership tenure.

Eligibility

  • Open to current 4-H members who are 15-18 years old (as of September 1, 2020).
  • Members must have been enrolled in the 4-H program a minimum of two years.

Application

Online application can be found here. Applications are due November 1, 2020. Applicants will also need to request reference forms from two references, those can be found here. A tutorial video can be found on the Illinois 4-H YouTube Channel. 

Recognition

$1,000 scholarship paid directly to the scholarship recipient upon receipt of proof of enrollment in an approved post-high school educational program. Scholarship monies must be used before the winner’s 24th birthday or the scholarship will be forfeited. Scholarship redemption forms will be provided to winners. Winners are honored at the State 4-H Award Ceremony in the spring.

Sponsors

  • Illinois 4-H Foundation