4-H Members

Recognition, Awards and Scholarships

4-H Scholarships

At the current time, the Illinois 4-H program offers two scholarship programs.

The Illinois 4-H Legacy of Leadership Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, offers six, $1,000 scholarships each year. Currently enrolled 4-H members who are seniors in high school or already college age may apply. Five years of 4-H members are required. Applications are due March 1.

The State Fair Junior Horse Show Scholarship Program is open to 4-H and FFA members who are in their last year of membership eligibility and who have exhibited at the State Fair Jr. Horse Show at least once in the last three years. Applications are available at the Horse Show or by clicking on the link below. Applications, recommendation letters, and high school/college transcripts are due postmarked no later than September 15.

The Superior Young Producer Scholarship Program is offered by the Illinois State Fair to 4-H and FFA members who are exhibiting in any of the following species at the State Fair: Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, and Horses. This contest-driven scholarship requires that the youth be a current exhibitor at the State Fair in the species for that contest. (For example, you must be exhibiting Sheep at the current State Fair in order to compete in the Sheep SYP contest.) Youth participate in several contests; five overall winners in each species receive $1,000 scholarships. Contests may include judging, skill-a-thon/hippology stations, management test, meat identification, and/or quality assurance testing. Registration is due by July 1; forms are available on the Illinois State Fair website, under Competitions and the Junior Livestock Premium Book.


4-H Member Recognition Resources

4-H Members