Howard County Fair Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Howard County Fair Association
Overview
The Howard County Fair Association awards annual scholarships to support education for individuals with a background in local 4‑H or FFA programs. Up to six scholarships are awarded each year to qualified recipients to help cover educational expenses. The program encourages recipients to remain engaged with the fair community and ideally return as volunteers.
Description: The scholarship supports students who have participated in the Howard County Fair and been active in Howard County 4‑H or FFA programs.
Award Value: Each scholarship is valued at $2,000; multiple awards may be made in a single year.
- Annual awards support fair-involved 4‑H and FFA participants.
- Up to six recipients may be selected each year.
- Recipients are encouraged to volunteer with the fair in the future.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have been members of the Howard County 4‑H or FFA program and must have participated in the Howard County Fair. Education should be directed toward agriculture, home economics, or related fields such as plant or animal science, business, consumer affairs, child development, economics, biochemistry, microbiology, veterinary science, or vocational/trade programs. Applicants must be at least high school juniors; previous winners are not eligible to reapply. The Scholarship Committee’s decision is final.
Eligibility: Membership in Howard County 4‑H or FFA, fair participation, relevant field of study, and minimum grade level (current high school junior or above) are required; prior awardees are ineligible.
Payment: Scholarships are paid directly to the recipient’s college, university, or trade school; if the recipient is not enrolled, the funds will be held for up to three years before reverting to the Howard County Fair Association.
- Must be a Howard County 4‑H or FFA member with fair participation.
- Open to students pursuing agriculture, home economics, or related fields.
- Applicants must be at least current high school juniors; past winners cannot apply.
Judging Criteria
Selection is based on documented achievements in citizenship, leadership, fair involvement, academic performance, and future plans. The Scholarship Committee evaluates 4‑H/FFA records, leadership at the fair, grades, and the applicant’s stated plans to pursue their education and career. The committee’s rubric assigns specific weights to ensure a balanced review of experience, achievement, and potential.
- 50% — Citizenship, leadership, and achievement as documented in 4‑H/FFA records.
- 30% — Fair involvement and leadership roles.
- 15% — Academic grades; 5% — Future plans.
How to Apply
Applications require a completed form, an official sealed transcript, and a head/shoulder photograph; all submitted materials will be returned to applicants. Applicants must attach their most recent 4‑H Summary Form, 4‑H Story, and 4‑H Resume or FFA Proficiency Records; these may be updated with supplementary attachments. Evidence of community or school recognition may also be submitted to support the application.
Application Timeline: Completed applications must be delivered to the Howard County Fair Office by 6:00 pm on the fair’s final day in August; scholarship winners are announced at the Annual Howard County Fair Stockholders Dinner on the fourth Tuesday in October.
- Submit completed application, sealed transcript, and photo; materials are returned after review.
- Include up-to-date 4‑H/FFA records and optional community or school recognition.
- Deadline: 6:00 pm on the last day of the Howard County Fair; winners announced in October.
State Fair Scholarships
The Maryland State Fair awards additional scholarships, including the Marlin K. Hoff Scholarship, to eligible students. Recipients of these state-level awards are publicly recognized during a special ceremony at the Maryland State Fair. These scholarships are administered separately from the Howard County Fair Association awards.
- The Maryland State Fair offers two scholarships, including the Marlin K. Hoff Scholarship.
- State scholarship recipients are honored at a recognition ceremony during the fair.
- State awards are distinct from the Howard County Fair Association scholarships.