Florida 4-H Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Florida 4-H Club Foundation

Description What the Florida 4‑H Foundation scholarships are

The Florida 4‑H Foundation awards competitive scholarships and National 4‑H Trip Awards to Florida 4‑H members each year. These awards recognize members’ 4‑H accomplishments through a formal application process. Donor-supported funds make the program possible and define the number and size of each named scholarship. Applicants may not apply for scholarships they have already received.

Key takeaways

• The program provides competitive scholarships and National 4‑H Trip Awards to 4‑H members.
• Applicants submit an application that highlights their 4‑H achievements.
• Donors fund and set the amounts and number of each scholarship.
• You cannot reapply for a scholarship you have previously been awarded.

Available

Scholarships Named scholarships offered to senior members

A broad slate of named scholarships is available to Senior 4‑H Members; the full Scholarship Summary outlines each award’s specific requirements. The list includes university-specific awards and many donor‑named scholarships honoring past supporters and leaders. Review the Scholarship Summary online for eligibility details, award counts, and any fund‑specific notes.

Key takeaways

• Scholarships are listed in the Scholarship Summary and are targeted to senior 4‑H members.
• Awards include university scholarships and many donor‑named memorial and specialty funds.
• The Scholarship Summary online provides fund‑specific requirements and award counts.
• Examples include the Fred and Mabel Barber Scholarship, T.G. Williamson Scholarship, and the Dr. Freddie Johnson 4‑H Scholarship.

Eligibility and

Award

Limits Who can apply and limits on awards

Senior 4‑H Members are eligible to apply for the Foundation scholarships listed in the Scholarship Summary. Candidates may not submit applications for scholarships they have already received in prior years. Successful applicants can receive up to three Foundation awards in a single cycle; the Presidential Scholarship is excluded from that three‑award cap.

Key takeaways

• Only Senior 4‑H Members may apply.
• You cannot apply for a scholarship you previously received.
• A recipient may be awarded a maximum of three scholarships in one cycle.
• The Presidential Scholarship does not count toward the three‑award maximum.

Award

Value Overall funding and award types

The Foundation distributes more than $65,000 annually across scholarships and National 4‑H Trip Awards. Individual award amounts and the number of awards for each fund are established by the donors who sponsor those funds. Award types include cash scholarships for education and funded opportunities to attend national 4‑H experiences.

Key takeaways

• Total annual distribution exceeds $65,000.
• Donors set individual scholarship amounts and award quantities.
• Awards cover both educational scholarships and National 4‑H Trip Awards.
• Specific award values vary by named fund.

Application

Components and

Resources What you must submit and how to prepare

The scholarship application package consists of a completed application form, a cover letter, and a skills‑based resume. Applicants should draft materials using the online documents and review them with their local 4‑H agent, club leader, and/or a parent or guardian before final submission. The State 4‑H Office recommends consulting the 4‑H scholarship application packet for formatting and content guidance.

Key takeaways

• The application consists of an application form, cover letter, and skills‑based resume.
• Use the online documents as drafts and review them with a local 4‑H professional or parent.
• Follow the State 4‑H Office application packet for guidance on content and format.
• Submit only after local review and approval.

Decision

Process How winners are selected and recognized

A review committee evaluates submitted applications and determines which candidates will be invited to interview. Final award decisions are based on a combined score from the written application and the interview results. Scholarship and Trip Award winners are announced and recognized at the 4‑H University Awards Banquet; recipients are encouraged to attend but attendance is not required to receive an award.

Key takeaways

• A review committee screens applications and selects interviewees.
• Final selections use a cumulative application + interview score.
• Winners are recognized at the 4‑H University Awards Banquet.
• Attendance at the banquet is encouraged but not mandatory to receive an award.

Interview

Schedule and

Application

Timeline Key interview dates and process steps

Interview invitations are emailed to selected applicants after the committee review. Interviews take place online in July (prior to 4‑H University). For 2026, interview windows are Wednesday, July 8, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM EST, and Thursday, July 9, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM EST. Applicants should prepare drafts, complete local reviews, submit on time, and watch their email for interview scheduling.

Key takeaways

• Interview invitations are sent by email following application review.
• 2026 interview windows: July 8 (1:00–5:00 PM EST) and July 9 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM EST).
• Interviews are conducted online.
• Prepare, review locally, submit, and monitor email for interview details.

Donations and

Contact

Information How to support or learn more about scholarships

Donors establish and maintain the named scholarship funds that make these awards possible. To learn more about donating or to discuss creating a fund, contact Caylin Hilton at [email protected]. Additional information about each named scholarship, their namesakes, and online donation options is available on the Foundation’s scholarship web pages.

Key takeaways

• Donors define scholarship funds, amounts, and award quantities.
• For donation inquiries contact Caylin Hilton at [email protected].
• Scholarship namesakes and donation options are detailed online.
• Donations directly support Florida 4‑H members’ educational and trip awards.

History of the

Awards Origins and naming conventions

The scholarships are funded through gifts from alumni, families, clubs, and partner organizations; many awards carry the names of their donors or honored individuals. The program has grown into a diverse portfolio of funds supporting both academic scholarships and national trip experiences for 4‑H youth. For a complete history of individual funds and namesakes, consult the Scholarship Summary or the Foundation’s online resources.

Key takeaways

• Scholarship funds are established by supporters and named for donors or honorees.
• The program supports both scholarships and trip awards and has expanded over time.
• Historical details and namesake biographies are available in the Scholarship Summary online.
• The Foundation’s donor-funded model drives continued scholarship growth and variety.