Maine 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Maine 4-H Foundation

Intro
These scholarships support 4-H participants who are continuing their education after high school. The application helps applicants build a resume and summarize their educational and work experiences for college and future careers. Applicants are encouraged to start early.

Deadlines
- Submit your application to your local UMaine Extension county 4-H office or one of the 4-H Camp & Learning Centers (by email or in person) by Monday, March 2, 2026.
- 4-H staff must forward approved applications to the Maine 4-H Foundation by Monday, March 9, 2026.
- Note: the 4-H story and resume included with your application must be original work and not produced by AI to be considered.

Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
1) Be a graduating high school senior or a high school graduate who postponed college for no more than one year;
2) Be currently active in 4-H; and
3) Meet at least one of the following participation conditions:
- Sustained involvement in 4-H programs and activities throughout primary and/or secondary school years, and/or
- Current membership in a 4-H club (enrolled by December 31) with ongoing activity in 4-H.

Acceptable 4-H involvement includes, but is not limited to: club membership, leadership or participation at a 4-H Camp & Learning Center, online 4-H coursework, homeschool or afterschool/community-based 4-H programs (local or state level), leadership/service-learning projects, or service as a 4-H volunteer.

Special University of Maine partnership
A limited number of scholarships (in partnership with the University of Maine Foundation) may be renewed for all four college years, provided the student remains in good academic standing and attends the University of Maine.

Award amounts and criteria
- Scholarships and special awards range from $500 to $2,500.
- Typically more than 20 scholarships are awarded in a year.
- Selection is based on demonstrated 4-H excellence and academic performance, with emphasis on 4-H experiences, leadership, and service. Awards are for applicants from Maine.

Receiving payment and attendance
- Recipients are requested to attend the Maine 4-H Foundation Annual Meeting (late spring/early summer) to accept their award in person.
- Scholarship funds are disbursed after the recipient successfully completes their first semester. To receive payment, mail an official first-semester transcript to the Maine 4-H Foundation office. (Special awards may be issued before the student begins school.)

Application materials and submission notes
- Do not include ribbons, trophies, or certificates with your application.
- Submit black-and-white photocopies or electronic versions of your application, essay, and resume; retain originals for your records.
- Applications must reach your county 4-H staff by March 2, 2026.

Contact and additional information
For questions, call the Maine 4-H Foundation at (207) 581-3739. Current application forms and details are available online at http://www.umaine.edu/4hfoundation/ — click “Receive Funding.”

County scholarships
Please note county scholarships are awarded by the individual county.

Maine 4-H Foundation scholarships that may be awarded
- Wayne S. Rich Scholarship (awarded in odd-numbered years)
- Azure Dillon 4-H Memorial Scholarship (for Maine 4-Hers)
- Gladys E. Conant Memorial Farm Credit East Scholarship ($1,000)
- Dr. Harold and Marion Chute Scholarship
- Fred Hutchinson Scholarship (awarded every other year)
- Doris Roberts, H. Lawrence, and George Lawrence Humphrey 4-H Scholarship
- Oxton Trust (Knox and Lincoln Counties)
- Theda Parker / K. C. Lovejoy Scholarship
- Verna Church Witter Scholarship
- Threshold of Maine RC&D Scholarship Fund
- Waldo County Extension Association Scholarship (county award)
- Somerset County Leaders Association Scholarship (county award)
- Jeremy Strater Washington County Scholarship
- Nancy L. Arms ’84, Chadwick C. and Barbara Arms 4-H Scholarship Fund
- Leo J. and Catherine D. Pelley 4-H Scholarship Fund
- Carla and Danny Lafayette Scholarship
- Morna Rawcliffe Scholarship
- Gene Doris Humphrey Scholarship
- Other scholarships as they become available

(Submit applications to your county 4-H staff by March 2, 2026.)