4-H impact
Impacting Idaho's youth
4-H's unique hands-on approach gives youth the opportunity to learn by doing while building life skills.
Impact statements
Impact statements include information about areas of research, Extension and teaching efforts, and the impact 4-H youth development programs are making on the people of Idaho.
Support 4-H
Your support of Idaho's 4-H will help give the future leaders of our communities the tools and experience to make positive impacts in the future. You can support your local county program or statewide efforts to help us address the most critical needs. Make a gift today.
Positive futures
The study of 4-H Positive Youth Development shows that 4-Hers get better grades in school, are more likely to go to college and give more often to their communities. This longitudinal study began in 2002 to study the effectiveness of 4-H youth development programs.
Research shows 4-H members in Idaho:
- Take fewer negative risks (such as alcohol, drug or tobacco use)
- Do more service to help others
- Take more school and community leadership roles
- Will speak more with parents or guardians about important issues (such as drugs, alcohol or sex)
4H college scholarships
Thanks to the generosity of our 4-H alumni and supporters, 4-H has the privilege of awarding several scholarships to graduating 4-H'ers continuing their education past high school. Each scholarship has a different set of requirements, but all are applied for through one application portal. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31 of each year.
Please read the information on each scholarship below carefully and review the how to apply document (pdf) to assist you with the process.
If you have questions or need further information, please email fourh@uidaho.edu.
Browse through the many scholarships
Avista North Idaho 4‑H Scholarship
- The Avista Foundation established an annual scholarship for 4‑H members who are attending the University of Idaho.
- There are nine $500 scholarships each year.
- The scholarship is available to students enrolled full-time at the University of Idaho with preference to first-year students.
- Recipients must be former members of a 4‑H club from one of the north Idaho counties (Kootenai, Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce).
- Demonstration of leadership and civic engagement is the scholarship's primary consideration.
Cooper "Whitey" and Leona Fletcher Memorial Scholarship
“Whitey” and Leona Fletcher were residents of Butte City, ID, and enjoyed assisting high school students involved in rodeo, cutting horse competitions and related programs such as 4‑H Horse projects.
A $1,000 college scholarship is available to graduating 4‑H members who meet the following requirements:
- From UI Extension’s eastern district — Bannock, Bear Lake, Bonneville, Butte, Caribou, Clark, Custer, Fort Hall, Franklin, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, Oneida, Power and Teton counties..
- In 4‑H at least five years.
- Leadership and 4‑H achievement in horse projects, with secondary considerations of community involvement, academic achievement and financial need.
- High school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Attending an Idaho sponsored college or university.
- Completed applications must include a 250-word achievement story.
The scholarship will be granted as $400 for the first semester. Upon completion of the first semester with at least a 2.5 GPA, the remaining $600 will be issued. The successful student must notify the UI Extension 4‑H Youth Development office with college enrollment information and completion of first semester in order to receive funds.
Gwendolyn Brunelle 4‑H Scholarship
- The Gwen Brunelle Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to eligible 4‑H students who will be incoming freshmen at any public higher education institution in Idaho, including two-year institutions.
- Priority is to youth from Ada and Canyon counties in Idaho as well as Malheur County in Oregon, with second consideration to youth from Gem, Payette, Washington, Boise or Owyhee counties. Third priority for youth from other counties in Idaho.
- The scholarship awards $1,000/year, distributed as $500/semester.
Idaho Friends of 4‑H College Scholarship
- Freshmen — The Idaho Friends of 4‑H offers $1,000 college scholarships to 4‑H members attending post-secondary schools in Idaho.
- Scholarships will be offered for first year students at Idaho universities, colleges, technology or trade schools.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 20 and have been a 4‑H member for four years, with at least two of those years during high school.
Johannesen Leadership Scholarship
This scholarship honors the late Erling Johannesen.
- A $1,000 college scholarship is available to graduating 4‑H members who have been in 4‑H at least four years and are currently enrolled in 4‑H.
- Overall leadership and 4‑H achievement shall be the primary considerations. Community involvement, academic achievement and financial need are secondary considerations.
Lillian Jeanette Craig Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is offered in memory of Lillian Jeanette Craig, age 2 1/2 who lost her battle with leukemia on Aug. 12, 2008.
Lillian’s father, Jim Craig, was an active 4‑H member and served as judicial workshop coordinator for the Idaho 4‑H Know Your Government Conference as an adult. Lillian’s grandmother, Mary Jean Craig, retired from University of Idaho Extension 4‑H Youth Development office in December 2009 and was instrumental in establishing Idaho's 4‑H College Scholarship program.
- A $1,000 college scholarship is available to a graduating high school senior, or someone currently enrolled in an institution of higher education, who has been involved in 4‑H in Idaho and is a childhood cancer survivor or the sibling of someone who has or has had childhood cancer.
- Using 250 words or less describe your involvement in 4-H and your experience with childhood cancer as a survivor or as a sibling of someone who has or had childhood cancer.
- If a sibling, the applicant must have lived in the same household and been between the ages of 4 and 18 when his/her sibling was diagnosed and treated.
- The scholarship may be used at any college, university or vocational institution. Preference will be given to applicants attending academic institutions in Idaho.
Murdoch Ranch and Home Supply 4‑H Scholarship
- The Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply Scholarship offers $1,000 college scholarships to Idaho 4‑H members attending post-secondary schools.
- This is not limited to Idaho only.
- Scholarships will be offered for first year students at any university, college, technology or trade school.
- Applicants must be between the ages of 16-20 and have been a 4‑H member for four years, with at least two of those years during high school.
O.M. Plummer Memorial Scholarship
- The Oregon Community Foundation offers an annual scholarship to a 4‑H member in Idaho who has participated in livestock showing or judging beyond the county level.
- Applicants must be seniors in high school, a member of a 4‑H livestock club and have taken livestock projects for at least three years.
- The amount of the scholarship has varied from $300–$570 in recent years.
- Completed applications must include a 250 word achievement story, a high school transcript and a photo.
Quinn Family 4‑H Food Preservation Scholarship
- The Quinn Family 4‑H Food Preservation Scholarship provides eligible 4‑H students in Idaho who have participated in food preservation projects with scholarships to support their post-secondary education.
- Applicants must provide 250 words detailing their participation in food preservation projects during their 4‑H career.
- This scholarship is available to students planning to attend a two-year trade school, two-year associates degree program or a four-year college or university of the student’s choice.
- Kelly and her four siblings along with their parents were an active part of Howard County 4‑H in Maryland for over 20 years. The children participated in a variety of projects including cooking, sewing, woodworking, photography and public speaking. The kids spent time on their grandparents' farm, picking and canning green beans, tomatoes, peaches, pears and an assortment of other foods. As the children grew up and started their own families, the skills they learned during their years in 4‑H became an everyday part of their lives. Food preservation has continued to be shared activity for the entire family.
- The Quinn children exhibited their canned goods in the Howard County and Maryland state fairs earning ribbons and prize money throughout their 4‑H careers. Several of the children received scholarships through the 4‑H program helping to make higher education a reality for them. This endowment was created to encourage the continued tradition and skill of food preservation and help the next generation of 4‑H participants to achieve their higher education goals.
Roy and Mamie Jones Scholarship
Roy and Mamie Jones were long-time 4‑H volunteers in Clearwater County. Mamie became a clothing leader in 1955 and was a leader for 20 years. Roy was never an official leader but was always there to help and encourage youth. Their three girls, Edna, Penny and Jeannie, were all very active in 4‑H.
- A $1,000 college scholarship is available to graduating 4‑H members from the northern district, formerly district I (Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai/Shoshone, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties), who have been in 4‑H at least five years.
- Leadership and 4‑H achievement in projects other than livestock shall be the primary considerations. Community involvement and academic achievement are secondary considerations. The award is not based on financial need.
Ruth Johannessen Shane Scholarship
- This endowment was created to honor the affiliation with the University of Idaho and commitment to the University of Idaho Extension 4‑H Youth Development program. The Ruth Johannessen Shane Scholarship will provide a scholarship to deserving students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho. Scholarship amounts vary depending on number of applications. In recent years scholarships were $2,300 each.
Applicant requirements
- Applicants must have participated in 4‑H with preference given to those participating a minimum of four years.
- Awards are given to undergraduate students with a junior or senior standing enrolled full time in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Idaho, preference given to those majoring in family and consumer sciences.
- First preference given to those who are from Emmett, Idaho and second consideration given to those who are from the surrounding areas.
- Applicants must indicate leadership achievements as well as maintain a 3.0 GPA or better in their second year to be eligible.
- Using 250 words or less describe your accomplishments in family and consumer sciences projects and leadership experiences in 4-H and your community.