YOUTH IN ACTION APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
The 4‑H Youth in Action (YIA) program celebrates young people who are creating real change in their communities. This national program amplifies the stories and leadership of 4‑H youth, showcasing how 4‑H has shaped their lives and equipped them to impact others.
Four Award Winners will receive a(n):
1 - $5,000 scholarship for higher education, paid directly to the institution, including two‑year and four‑year colleges, trade schools, or other advanced learning opportunities.
2 - Year of professional and media development, training, networking, and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and thought leader.
3 - All expenses paid trips for each award winner and a chaperone to attend national events.
4 - Official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.
Applicants must be a 4-H member or recent alum of any type of 4-H program in the U.S. They must also be between the ages of 14-19.
Applications are open now through April 13, 2026, at 11:59pm PST. If you’d like to learn more about the program and application, please register for the info sessions at https://4-h.org/programs/4-h-youth-in-action-program/application:
Youth in Action applicants or parents’ webinar will be hosted on March 4, 2026 at 6:00 pm Central time.
More information and 2027 application at Youth in Action Program - National 4-H Council
DIAMOND CLOVER
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program encourages 4-H members to engage in a variety of projects and activities that will help them acquire life skills necessary to lead successful lives as a competent, caring, and contributing citizen. The program consists of six levels that require a 4-H member to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments. More information at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/awards-recognition/diamond-clover/
CLUBS OF EXCELLENCE
GROUP AWARD
The Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence program is designed to recognize and celebrate 4-H Clubs for successfully encouraging and empowering members. Clubs must meet a certain set of criteria and document how this criterion was met. Clubs must apply annually. More information at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/awards-recognition/clubs-excellence
HANDS FOR LARGER SERVICE AWARD
GROUP AWARD
Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Hands for Larger Service Awards, sponsored by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) is a prestigious award designed to recognize 4-H clubs for their efforts to serve their communities. More information at https://www.ne4hfoundation.org/handsforlargerserviceaward/
Applications due May 15.
NEBRASKA 4-H GIVES BACK
INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP AWARD
The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program is an opportunity for a Nebraska 4-H member or a team of 4-H’ers to make a meaningful contribution to their community. This award recognizes the impact that 4-H youth make in their communities and celebrates the spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience. More information at https://4h.unl.edu/statewide-events-opportunities/awards-recognition/ne4h-gives-back/
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive. The form should be completed for each academic year.
Financial aid at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Please file the FAFSA Form by the May 1 priority date. If selected for verification, students are encouraged to submit all requested documents by the June 1 document deadline for priority consideration. More information at https://huskerhub.unl.edu/scholarships-financial-aid/fafsa/