Scholarships & Awards

4-H Scholarships

The Saginaw County 4-H Council generously offers to provide financial support to Saginaw County 4-H members and volunteers attending 4-H educational workshops, camps, trips, and events (or opportunities that enhance their role in 4-H).  Funds to support these scholarships are generated through fundraising efforts. 

 

Saginaw 4-H Council

Youth and Volunteer Scholarship Application and Reimbursement Policy

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

 

  1. Saginaw 4-H members and volunteers can apply for a Saginaw 4-H Council scholarship for the cost of MSU Extension or National 4-H sponsored events only. Examples include: 4-H Day Camps, 4-H Overnight Camps, 4-H Exploration Days, Capitol Experience, etc. Scholarships are based on available funding. A 75% scholarship is not guaranteed, and the total scholarship award is up to the discretion of the Saginaw 4-H Council and based on available funding.

  2. Scholarships are based on a sliding scale for up to 75% for events costing $150.00 or more and up to 50% for events costing $149.00 or less. 
    • Example: An event that costs $200.00 would be eligible for a scholarship of $150.00.
    • Example: An event that costs $100.00 would be eligible for a scholarship of $50.00.
  1. Process:
    1. Select the 4-H event to attend.
    2. Register and pay event fees. Keep receipt of payment.
    3. Attend event.
    4. Submit scholarship application (see process below) to the Saginaw 4-H office. The application will include questions that can be included in the in-person/virtual presentation or will meet the requirement of the written report option.
    5. Give presentation or submit written report to the 4-H council (on application).
    6. Once the 4-H Council approves, receive reimbursement via check from the 4-H council.

Download - the Scholarship MEMBER APPLICATION
Download - the Scholarship VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Download - the Scholarship Youth and Volunteer PROCESS

4.  Scholarship reimbursement applications must meet the following REQUIRED criteria to be considered and approved:

  • Saginaw 4-H membership is required.
  • Youth must be enrolled during the 4-H year of the event.
  • Make an in-person/virtual presentation or submit a written report to the Saginaw 4-H Council within 60 days or 2 scheduled council meetings of the event.  This report should include the event title and what they learned/enjoyed about attending this event.
  • Include a receipt of payment for the event with scholarship application.
  • The application must be completed by the 4-H member who is requesting the scholarship.
  • Applications must be FULLY completed for consideration.
  1. Scholarship reimbursement will be awarded AFTER attending the event, the required criteria is met and approval from Saginaw 4-H Council is granted.
  1. Scholarship applications are reviewed at the monthly 4-H Council meeting.
  1. Scholarship applications can be mailed to Saginaw 4-H MSU Extension at 723 Emerson St, Saginaw MI 48607. Attn: 4-H Council/Saginaw 4-H.  Requests can also be emailed to gathstac@msu.edu.

4-H Council Meeting Dates
The Saginaw 4-H Council meets the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:00pm.  Contact your club leader or the Saginaw 4-H office to confirm meeting days for presentations.

Other Scholarship Forms

4-H Capitol Experience - Saginaw County Farm Bureau Scholarship Application 4-H Capitol Experience

 

Saginaw 4-H Awards

Each year Saginaw County 4-H recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of 4-H members.  

The County Awards Program provides 4-H members a learning experience where they can develop career skills by using their 4-H experiences to compile a portfolio similar to a professional application while receiving recognition for their 4-H involvement.  The application process will help youth build their skills in communication, literacy, record keeping, and marketability.  The application will require youth to reflect on their past 4-H experiences and provide thoughtful responses.  4-H County Awards recognize youth for their engagement and learning in the 4-H program, focusing on the skills they have gained.  Once completed, a 4-H County Awards portfolio may be a useful tool that can be referenced when completing future job, college, or scholarship applications. 

The Saginaw 4-H Council is excited to recognize 4-H members in three different awards each year.  See below for details to be considered for each award.  4-H members may choose from the following award applications. 

2024: September 22, 2024 at 3:00pm at Stardust Lanes (3750 Bay Rd. Saginaw)

  • RSVP to attend event - by September 2nd, 2024 to Jennifer Specht at at 989-482-9771 - (Call or text)

How to Submit Your Award(s) Applications:

The deadline for receiving applications is September 2nd, 2024.

  • Project Awards - Return the completed Project Award APPLICATION to Jennifer Specht (Co-President, Saginaw 4-H Council) via mail or email.
  • All Other Awards - Submit essays any other supporting materials to Jennifer Specht (Co-President, Saginaw 4-H Council) via mail or email.

4-H Club members may also submit applications to their Club Leaders to be turned in by September 2nd. 

Mailing Address: (post marked by September 2nd)
Jennifer Specht
6649 Sohn Vassar, 48768
Email: jenniferspecht76@gmail.com

 

Saginaw 4-H Project Area Awards
Download and submit the 4-H Project Area Award Application.  Projects are listed on the form.

Submit the 4-H Project Area Award Application.  Projects are listed on the form.

  • You may submit more than one project award application. Complete 1 application for each project award you are applying for.
  • Must be a registered 4-H member in Saginaw County.
  • Must have the signature of a club leader indicating you are a member in good standing.
  • Must be typed or neatly printed in ink with correct spelling and grammar. This is VERY important!!!
  • Must have completed at least two years in the area for which you are applying.
  • 4-H participants may enter a maximum of three project areas. Use a different form for each project area.
  • Each participant will receive a participation certificate providing they have met all of the above qualifications.

 

Citizen in 4-H Youth Development of Leadership Award

3 winners will be selected in each age group.

  • Cloverbud ages 5-7
  • Junior ages 8-12
  • Intermediate ages 13-15
  • Senior ages 16-19

To be eligible for this award you must:

  • Have served in your club or county in a leadership role
  • Have completed 4-H projects in at least 2 project areas
  • Have completed a volunteer project for this calendar year
  • Submit a title page (name of award, 4-H member name, 4-H Club (if applicable), and age
  • Submit a 500 word or less essay about what you have learned from your leadership roles in 4-H. You should introduce yourself, where you go to school, your interest and why you became involved in 4-H.
  • Cloverbuds (ONLY)-may submit a photo with a short paragraph attached describing the picture or 500 word or less essay

 

The 4-H Gold Star Award

This award is for all around 4-H participation in the community, club and project areas for any 4-H member in 9th grade and above.

Two awards in this category.

To be eligible the following requirements should be over your whole 4-H career not just the calendar year.        

  • Completed at least 3 years of 4-H
  • Completed projects in at least three different project areas
  • Participated in one or more activities in at least 3 of the following areas:
    • projects / exhibits
    • participation in leadership experiences such as leadership labs, national leadership events, 4-H congress / conference
    • Competitive events (judging, educational presentation, public speaking, etc.)-Citizenship activities
    • attended camps at county, district or state level / 4-H exploration days
  • The member must have exhibited leadership skills by serving as a 4 -H officer or committee chair.
  • The member must have participated in one or more community service activities.
  • Submit Record Book - The member must submit a record book of their 4-H activities, accomplishments, awards, leadership rolls and experiences.

 

Prize for Young Heroes

Award for 4-H youth doing outstanding community service work.

3 winners will be selected in each age group.

  • Cloverbud ages 5-7
  • Junior ages 8-12
  • Intermediate ages 13-15
  • Senior ages 16-19

To be eligible for this award you must:

  • Have completed an inspiring service project or great act of kindness within last 2 years.
  • Worked as an individual or family to lead their service project work or act of kindness, motivated by the individual himself or herself. This was not done as a group 4-H project, school assignment or to complete a given assignment. If the member recruited help for said service project, that is allowed, but idea must have been that of the member.
  • Winners must have demonstrated qualities such as courage, compassion, generosity, perseverance and empathy. Shown initiative, and unselfishness in pursuit of their goals. Accomplished something with inspirational value- something that made a difference. Their act of kindness must have benefited and impacted the world beyond themselves.
  • Submit 500 or less essay about members service project
  • Letter of reference from non-family member that has witnessed or knowledge of members community service.
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