What are some good scholarships for 4-H members in 2024?

I'm a high school junior involved in 4-H, and I'm really proud of the work I've done through the program. I keep hearing about 4-H scholarships, and I'm interested in finding out more about them for the 2024 application season. Can anyone recommend specific scholarships for 4-H members or provide tips on how to stand out in the application process? Additionally, are there any particular 4-H achievements that scholarship committees tend to look for?

One scholarship that immediately comes to mind is the National 4-H Council’s Youth in Action Scholarship. This scholarship is open to 4-H members and one of the main things they look for is to demonstrate impact through leadership in the community.

Then, there's also the Farm Bureau 4-H Scholarship given out annually to applicants, honoring their leadership, personal growth, and career commitment. On a more career-focused note, the Tractor Supply Company Scholarship is for 4-H members who are interested in a career related to agriculture. They prioritize students with a clear career goal related to farming or agriculture and demonstrate community involvement.

Achievements that scholarship committees often look for include a demonstrated impact on your community through your 4-H work. Leadership roles you've held, major projects you've completed, or significant changes you've helped implement in your community are all impressive to scholarship committees. Keep in mind that many scholarships will also look at academic achievement, so keeping your grades up is always beneficial.

Remember, these scholarships can be competitive. To stand out, take the time to compile a comprehensive list of all your 4-H involvement, achievements, and responsibilities. When writing your application essays, make sure to write about specific instances when you demonstrated leadership or had a significant impact on your community through your 4-H involvement. Keep in mind that demonstrating passion is just as important as demonstrating achievement - make sure to write about why you love 4-H and how it has shaped you as a person.