Michigan 4-H Foundation Scholarship Application

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is pleased to offer new scholarship opportunities to Michigan 4-H members for fall 2026. Nearly $30,000 in scholarships will be awarded to outstanding 4-H’ers for the 2026–2027 academic year.

These scholarships are made possible through generous support from 4-H alumni, retirees, and friends of 4-H. Please note: Some scholarships are one-time awards and may not be offered every year.

Deadline to apply: September 1, 2026

General Eligibility Requirements

To apply, you must:

• Be a high school senior or incoming college freshman.
• Have been a Michigan 4-H member for at least 3 years.
• Upload a letter of recommendation from your MSU Extension county 4-H program coordinator.

Additional requirements may apply to specific scholarships (see below).

Eligible applicants must demonstrate:

• Outstanding achievement in 4-H, including involvement at the county, regional, state or national level.
• Exceptional character, shown through positive attitude and behavior.
• Broad range of 4-H experiences and project involvement.
• Leadership and citizenship contributions within and outside of 4-H.

Available scholarships for students attending any Michigan college, university or trade school:

• Paul Wilkes and Family 4-H Scholarship: Two $10,000 or three $7,000 scholarships will be awarded annually from fall 2026 through 2029.
• John R. Aylsworth 4-H Memorial Scholarship: two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded in fall 2026. This is a one-time scholarship opportunity.

Available scholarships for students attending Michigan State University*:

• Michigan 4-H Foundation Scholarship: One $1,200 scholarship.
  Awarded annually.
• Sigma Alpha Sorority 4-H Scholarship: One $1,200 scholarship.
  Awarded annually with preference given to students enrolled in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Silm Family 4-H Scholarship Endowment Fund: One $1,200 scholarship.
  Awarded annually, eligible candidates must have been Michigan 4-H members for 5 or more years and demonstrated a commitment of service to their community.
• Lowell and Carol Spike Memorial 4-H Scholarship: One $1,200 scholarship. Awarded annually with preference to residents of Washtenaw County, with consideration to those from Monroe, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Jackson, Ingham, Livingston, Oakland or Wayne counties. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources with a major in Animal Science or Agricultural Education or in the MSU College of Nursing.

*Students must attend Michigan State University to be eligible for these scholarships. These awards are typically selected through the MSU 4-H Scholarship process. However, for 2026–27, they are included in this application.