Illinois 4-H Scholarship Application- 2025

Illinois 4-H Scholarship Application
General Rules and Regulations for 4-H Scholarships
- Scholarships are open to Illinois 4-H members age 15-19 as of 9/1/2025.
- To apply you must have been enrolled in the 2024-2025 4-H year.
- Applicants can only win one scholarship per program year.
- Applicants can only win once in each of the different award areas.
- Scholarship applications are due November 1.
- Two recommendations must be sent in.
  - It is the responsibility of the applicant to send the link and ensure they have completed it. https://form.jotform.com/252014084029145
  - Recommendations will be due November 7.
  - Link to send to references:
- The announcement of winners will be sent to County Extension staff and to the e-mail listed on your application.
- Winners will be invited to the Illinois 4-H Celebrating Excellence Awards Banquet in April to receive the award.
- This scholarship is sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation. If you receive this award we will provide you contact information to send thanks to a list of donors.
Contact Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email- 4-H Member
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Gender Identity*
Race *
Ethnicity *
Parent/Guardian Name(s):*
County *
Club Name*
Years of 4-H Membership*

Educational Information

Scoring up to 5 points
Name of High School *
Graduation Month & Year*
Name of University or Post-Secondary Institution (if currently enrolled)
Academic Major (or anticipated major)*

School and Community Involvement

Scoring up to 20 points

List up to 8 different non- 4-H related activities or organizations you participated in through school, community, or industry involvement. Please provide clarity by spelling out unfamiliar abbreviations. Note any specific leadership roles or responsibilities you held, list any related awards or recognition you received, and which years you participated (i.e. 2020-2024 or 2024-Present). The selection committee will be able to review your entire response in each field even though you may only see a partial response in a box. *

	Activity or Organization	Leadership Roles	Awards or Recognition	Years Participated
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

List up to 3 work experiences you have had (i.e., farm labor, part-time or summer job/ internship).*

	Job Title	Responsibilities	Employer	Employment Dates
1
2
3

4-H Involvement

Scoring up to 20 points
What contributions have you made at the Club or local level that were above and beyond your peers. (10 Points)*

0/100
What contributions have you made at the County level that were above and beyond your peers. (10 Points)*

0/100

Recommendations

Complete the information below on the two individuals who will be completing your recommendations. Recommendation #1- 4-H Volunteer or University of Illinois Extension Staff Member (non-relative), Recommendation #2 Individual from applicants community (non-related). Please contact your references and give them the following link to complete your recommendation. Scoring 20 points. https://form.jotform.com/252014611456145
Name*

First NameLast Name
Title*
(Club leader, extension staff, volunteer)
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com
Recommendation #2- Individual from Applicant's Community (non-relative). Scoring up to 5 points.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Association to Applicant*
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Email*
example@example.com

Photo, Video and Essays

Scoring up to 45 points
Upload Photo*

Browse Files
Attach a high quality digital JPEG head & shoulder photo Cancelof
Upload a 1-2 minute video of you "Telling your 4-H Story". This must be a YouTube unlisted video. Please paste the URL link in the box below. *
How has 4-H impacted your life?*

0/250
Future Plans and Career Goals*

0/250
Project Specific Essay

- Essays will generate on the next pages based off the categories you are applying for. Scoring up to 25 points on project specific essay.
Scholarship Applying For:*

Animal ScienceCivic Engagement/Global LivingCreative Performing Arts & CommunicationGardening, Agriculture and Food AccessHealthy Living/NutritionLeadershipNatural Resources & Environmental SciencePersonal Growth (Less than 5 years of 4-H Membership)STEM/Robotics
If you are applying in multiple categories, what is your preferred area to win in if selected for multiple scholarships.
1st choice
2nd choice

Animal Science
How has your animal science projects advanced your science, communication and leadership skills?

0/500
Civic Engagement/Global Living
What is the importance of civic engagement and service learning?

0/500
Leadership
How have you demonstrated the six areas of the 4-H Leadership Model (planning, promoting, teaching, mentoring, advocating and advising).

0/500
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Discuss an example where effective natural resource management aligns seamlessly with current public policy, as well as a contrasting example of where it does not.

0/500
STEM/Robotics
In your opinion, what will be Artificial Intelligence's biggest contribution to humanity in the future? Why? Please use current and/or personal examples to illustrate your point.
Gardening, Agriculture and Food Access
Based on data from the USDA available from the most recent Census, the average age of farmers in Illinois is 58. This means there is a need for young farmers to be supported in having access to land and other important resources required to run a successful farm operation. What steps can be taken in the agiculture sector so that young farmers have an equal opportunity to be successful?

0/500
Creative & Performance Arts/ Communication
Reflect on your artistic journey across various genres, including projects, performances, and creative works. Describe pivotal moments or experiences that shaped your artistic identity and ignited your passion.

0/500
Healthy Living/ Nutrition
Demonstrate your leadership in tackling a public health issue related to healthy living or nutrition. Describe the problem you addressed (e.g., childhood obesity, limited access to healthy food), the specific actions you took as a leader (e.g., organizing workshops, creating educational materials, implementing changes),and the positive impact on your community (e.g., increased healthy food options, improved physical activity habits). Briefly explain what motivated you and the long-term benefits you envision for the community's health.

0/500
Personal Growth

Less than 5 years of 4-H membership to qualify for this scholarship.
Please describe the personal characteristics and skills you have developed or improved to prepare for life as a young adult. Additionally, how has your involvement in 4-H contributed to your personal development and readiness for college and your future career.

0/500

I CERTIFY THAT ALL STATEMENTS OR INFORMATION I HAVE PROVIDED ABOVE ARE TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE. ANY DELIBERATE MISREPRESENTATION FOUND IN THIS APPLICATION MAY BE CAUSE FOR DISQUALIFICATION OF THIS APPLICATION AND MAY PROHIBIT ME FROM APPLYING AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.
Applicant's Signature*

Clear
Name of Applicant*

First NameLast Name
Date Signed by Applicant*

MonthDayYear
Date
Should be Empty:

Illinois 4-H Scholarship Application

Contact Information

Educational Information

State and National Activities

School and Community Involvement

4-H Involvement

Recommendations

Photo, Video and Essays

Project Specific Essay

Animal Science

Civic Engagement/Global Living

Leadership

Natural Resources & Environmental Science

STEM/Robotics

Gardening, Agriculture and Food Access

Creative & Performance Arts/ Communication

Healthy Living/ Nutrition

Personal Growth