4-H Youth In Action Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by National 4-H Council
2027 4‑H Youth in Action — Application Details (Rewritten)
Overview
The Youth in Action application window is open now and will close on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The program spotlights 4‑H youth leaders who are driving positive change in their communities. All applicants — and their 4‑H educators — will be eligible for media, interview, and storytelling training led by National 4‑H professionals. Apply to gain access to this exclusive registration opportunity.
Program summary
The 4‑H Youth in Action program elevates the leadership and personal stories of 4‑H members who are making measurable community impact. Winners receive scholarship support and year‑long development and spokesperson opportunities while finalists join a national storytelling network.
Important dates & informational webinars
- Applications open: January 5, 2026
- Application deadline: April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST
- Finalist virtual interviews: May 2026 (one‑on‑one)
- Award notifications: August 2026
Register for program information sessions:
- 4‑H Professionals webinar: January 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET
- Applicants / parents webinar: March 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ET
You are invited to the “Youth in Action Application Webinar for Educators.” After you register, a confirmation email with joining instructions will be sent.
Awards & recognition
All applicants will receive:
- Media, interview, and storytelling training from National 4‑H professionals.
- Inclusion in the national 4‑H story database, which may lead to national multimedia and spokesperson opportunities.
Four award winners will receive:
- A $5,000 scholarship payable directly to the educational institution (eligible institutions include two‑year and four‑year colleges, trade schools, and other advanced learning programs).
- One year of individualized professional and media development, training, and networking, plus national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and thought leader.
- All‑expenses‑paid travel for the award winner and a chaperone to participate as the national youth spokesperson.
- An official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.
Awardees must adhere to the application requirements and the Award Winner agreement provided by National 4‑H Council at the time of selection.
How applicants are selected
1) Online application — Complete the application at 4‑H.org/YouthInAction. Applications open January 5 and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, April 13, 2026. You will receive a confirmation email only after a fully completed application is submitted. Incomplete applications will not be confirmed and will not be reviewed. If you are unsure about your application status, contact National 4‑H Council at YouthinAction@4‑H.org.
2) Finalist selection & virtual interview — National 4‑H Council will review applications and choose finalists. Applicants not selected as finalists will be notified by email. Finalists will take part in a virtual one‑on‑one interview during May.
3) Award winner selection — A selection committee will review finalists and National 4‑H Council will notify award winners in August. Finalists who are not named scholarship winners will still be recognized on the 4‑H Youth in Action website and social media and will serve as key storytellers for national multimedia opportunities during the program year.
Note: Individual application scores or reviewer comments will not be released.
Application requirements
Short answer responses — Tell your 4‑H story with specific examples (describe experiences, not just lists of accomplishments). Answer the sub‑questions provided to guide your response if you wish.
1) Describe how 4‑H impacted you. Maximum: 2,500 characters.
Suggested prompts: How has 4‑H changed or improved your life? What have you learned about yourself? Did 4‑H help you overcome challenges, discover passions, or gain skills?
2) Describe a project, program, activity, or series of activities where you demonstrated leadership and explain how your leadership benefited your community. Maximum: 4,000 characters.
Suggested prompts: What inspired you to lead? What was your role and when/where did this take place? Is the work ongoing? What steps did you take, and did you work with a team? Who benefited, and what are the long‑term impacts?
60‑second video
Provide a YouTube link to a 60‑second (or shorter) video that answers this prompt:
“Give an example of a skill 4‑H taught you that will help you in your future career.”
Video requirements:
- 60 seconds or less; feature only you speaking (no other voices or visual speakers).
- Record on a simple device (smartphone is fine). No special equipment or editing required.
- Upload to YouTube and set visibility so anyone with the link can view it.
Photos
Upload three separate photos:
- Two images that show you demonstrating leadership.
- One headshot.
Do not submit photo montages — they will not be reviewed. Accepted file formats: JPG, GIF, PNG.
Questions & contacts
- General award questions: YouthInAction@4H.org
- If you are unsure about your application status: YouthinAction@4‑H.org
- Online submission or technical issues: webadmin@4‑H.org
We look forward to receiving your 4‑H Youth in Action application by Monday, April 13, 2026.