Oklahoma Youth Expo Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Oklahoma Youth Expo

Overview

Description: The Oklahoma Youth Expo invests in future leaders by supporting youth development through competitive events and scholarships. Exhibitors gain hands-on experience with responsibility, dedication, and hard work—skills that apply well beyond the showring. Today OYE awards more than $400,000 in academic scholarships to exhibitors pursuing higher education.

• Mission-driven youth development through competitive events
• Over $400,000 awarded in academic scholarships annually
• Focus on transferable life and leadership skills

History of the Award

History of the Award: OYE was founded to cultivate leadership and practical skills in young people through livestock and related competitions. Over the past two decades the program has expanded its scholarship support and community impact. Founders, partners, and staff emphasize long-term investment in participants’ education and careers.

• Established to develop leadership and responsibility
• Expanded scholarship support over the last 20+ years
• Strong community and industry support

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility: Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have participated in at least one Oklahoma Youth Expo show and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA. All applications must be fully typewritten and the completed packet must not exceed nine pages. Specific signature requirements and the use of the current application form are mandatory.

• Graduating high school seniors only
• Must have participated in at least one OYE show
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5; application must be typewritten

Supporting Documentation

Subheading: Applicants must submit a complete packet that includes required essays, a resume, and an official transcript. When mailing, do not include the instruction pages (pages 1 and 2). Adhere to formatting limits and provide all attachments as specified to ensure consideration.

1. Do not include instruction pages when mailing the application.
2. All applications must be fully typewritten.
3. Applicants must have participated in at least one OYE show to apply.
4. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior.
5. Applicant must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to apply.
6. Completed application packet must not exceed nine pages in length.
7. Submit the application in full and attach all required documents.

• Follow page and formatting limits exactly
• Include all required components before submission
• Typewritten submissions only; do not mail instruction pages

Essays

Subheading: Three essays are required for all scholarship applications and must follow specific formatting: double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins. Essay #1 and Essay #2 are each one page maximum; Essay #1 should address how OYE prepared you for higher education or career pursuits, and Essay #2 should outline five-year goals and how they will benefit Oklahoma. Essay #3 is a half-page maximum describing a time you failed and how you responded.

• Three required essays with strict length and format rules
• Essay #1: one page — OYE’s impact on education/career
• Essay #2: one page — five-year goals and community benefit
• Essay #3: half page — describe a failure and response

Resume

Subheading: Attach a one-page, typewritten resume. Include clear contact information and sections that document education, objectives, and leadership or community involvement relevant to 4-H and FFA activities. The resume helps judges evaluate experience, accomplishments, and readiness for postsecondary pursuits.

• One-page, typewritten resume required
• Includes contact, education, objectives, and leadership activities
• Emphasize 4-H and FFA involvement and other accomplishments
• Name / Address / Phone / E-mail / FFA chapter or County 4-H Club
• Career Objective
• Education
• 4-H / FFA Leadership Activities and Awards
• School Leadership Activities and Awards
• Community Leadership Activities and Awards
• Professional Associations
• Other Accomplishments

Transcript

Subheading: Attach a current copy of your official high school transcript, including current class ranking. Official transcripts allow the scholarship committee to verify academic eligibility and contextualize achievements and GPA. Ensure the transcript reflects the most recent grading period.

• Official high school transcript required
• Include current class ranking
• Provide the most recent academic record available

Submission & Checklist

Subheading: All application materials must be stapled in the top left-hand corner (no paperclips) and must not be submitted in binders or folders. Provide five complete copies of the application packet for judge distribution. Applications must be mailed and submitted online; use a tracking number when mailing and ensure U.S. Postal Service postmark by the due date.

• Staple top left; do not use paperclips or binders
• Provide five complete copies; mail and submit online
• Use tracking and meet the postmark deadline

1. Use the 2027 application.
2. Be signed by the applicant’s ag education instructor or county extension agent.
3. Be signed and dated by the applicant and parent/guardian.
4. Include three essays following the guidelines above.
5. Include a resume following the guidelines above.
6. Include a copy of the most current high school transcript.
7. Application must be stapled in the top left-hand corner.
8. Provide five complete copies of your application.
9. Be U.S. Postal Service postmarked by the due date.
10. Submit online.
11. Mail completed application and all attachments to: Oklahoma Youth Expo, 21 Land Rush Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73107.