4-H Scholarships & Awards
Nebraska 4-H Awards & Recognition
Visit State website for more information.
- Diamond Clover - The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program encourages 4-H youth to engage in a variety of programs, projects, and activities that will enable youth to acquire skills and abilities that will prepare them for success in the future.
- National 4-H Congress - Award program which provides recognition to 4-H youth for their outstanding performances and achievements in 4-H. Held annually in Atlanta, Georgia. Apply with Senior Achievement Application.
- National 4-H Conference - Premier national civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members across the country. Held annually at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Apply with Senior Achievement Application.
- Achievement Application (for State Level Awards): Complete 3 pages outlining your 4-H experiences, goals, and “career spark.” Show growth through your 4-H experiences – consider mentioning previous years and how you have grown/learned.
Gage County 4-H Awards & Recognition
Achievement Program Awards, Special Awards, and Scholarships
Due October 15, 2025
Gage County Awards Application
- We have made changes to the way that you apply for County Achievement Awards (pins), Special Awards, and Scholarships for 2025. This year, the Career Portfolio and Achievement Applications will no longer be accepted for County Awards, but we have created a [hopefully] streamlined process to apply. Apply by filling out the online application using the link: https://go.unl.edu/gagecoawards
- No need to print and bring us anything this year. by clicking "SUBMIT" on either the online form of the .PDF, we will receive your form. You will get a confirmation email that will allow you to make edits to your application. You can make edits until October 15, then we will print them and prepare them for judging.
County Project Area Awards
| Beef | Veterinary Science | Forestry | Health & Fitness |
| Companion Animal | Engineering & Technology | Conservation | Food & Nutrition |
| Dairy | Woodworking | Agriculture | Cake Decorating |
| Goat | Electricity & Energy | Gardening & Horticulture | Food Preservation |
| Horse | Robotics | Safety | Child Development |
| Poultry | Aerospace | Citizenship | Clothing & Textiles |
| Rabbit | Wildlife/Fishing | Personal Development | Home Environment |
| Sheep | Shooting Sports | Achievement | Visual Arts |
| Swine | Outdoor Education | Genealogy/Heritage | Photography |
| Cat | Entomology & Bees | Money Management | Public Speaking |
Beyond Ready - awarded to graduating Seniors
Scholarships
- Ward & Hazel Finch Scholarship (2 available, $50 each)
- John Rhodes/Beatrice Kiwanis Club Scholarship (1 available, $50)
- C.A. Anderson Memorial Scholarship (1 available, $50)
- Odell Cookies 4-H Scholarship (1 available, $25)
- Gage County 4-H Council Scholarships ($5) - 2 livestock, 1 dairy, 2 horse, 3 general
- Gwendolyn Cooper Scholarship (2 available, $200) - ages 12-18
- Sewing Seeds for Tomorrow (1 available, $100) sponsored by Gary & Mary Jo Bures - Ages 12-15 (focus on Clothing & Horticulture/Floriculture project areas)
- Neva Krauter Memorial Scholarship (1 available, $25) - to be used for a National 4-H trip
- Excellence in 4-H Award (2 scholarships per age division, $50) sponsored by Exmark Manufacturing
- Jr. Division - Ages 12-14
- Sr. Division - Ages 15-18
- Kids of Character Award (2 available, $100) in memory of Gwendolyn Cooper - Ages 9-12
Special Awards
- 4-H Rookie Award – first-time experience (doesn’t have to be your first year in the 4-H program, can be your first time doing a project)
- 4-H Hard Luck Award – outlines something that didn’t go right and how you prevailed or learned from the experience.
- Memorable 4-H Experience – something that stands out and you will remember for years to come.
- Write a one-page story. Can include photos. Include with your Gage County Awards Application – this is separate from your Career Portfolio/Achievement Application.
Gage County 4-H Scholarships
These scholarships are mostly for High School Seniors
Due January 5
- Nebraska 4-H Foundation
- Achievement Application
- We do not accept Achievement Applications at the county level
Due March 15
- Merlyn Anderson Memorial Scholarship
- Gage County Agricultural Society Scholarship ($500)
- Kenneth Reed Memorial Scholarship
- Gage County 4-H Council - Youth Character Scholarship ($500)
- Brandt & Rozell Memorial Scholarship
- Evie Crawford Memorial Scholarship ($500) - must have participated at Gage County Fair Livestock Premium Auction
- Larry Germer Memorial Scholarship ($500)
Due April 15
Robert L. Kracke Memorial Scholarship ($500)
Due October 15
Youth at Work Grant - Final Report (Due October 15)
Due November 30
4-H Grants
Gage County Youth at Work Grant
Gage County 4-H members ages 12 and older, as well as 4-H clubs, are encouraged to apply for a Youth Leadership Grant to support meaningful projects in their community. These grants, funded by the Gage County 4-H Council, provide up to $200 to help youth bring their ideas to life through a club project, county program, workshop, or community service initiative.
- Applications are due April 1, and the Gage County 4-H Council will review submissions and notify applicants of funding decisions by April 15. Youth must work alongside an adult mentor or club leader to plan and carry out their project.
- Projects should include a learning or service component that benefits the club or community. If the project is completed before the county fair in July, youth are encouraged to showcase their work through a fair exhibit or display.
All funded projects must be completed by October 1, with a brief final report due by October 15. Grant recipients will be recognized and receive their check during the Gage County 4-H Achievement Program in the fall.
This program helps youth develop leadership skills while making a positive impact in their clubs and communities.
Youth at Work Grant Application Youth at Work Grant Final Report