The Montana 4-H Foundation supports 4-H initiatives that focus on healthy living, citizenship, leadership, science, engineering and technology, to name a few. The mission of the Montana 4-H Foundation is to "help 4-H youth by raising private funds, managing financial resources and partnering with the MSU Extension Service to fund educational opportunities for Montana 4-H youth, volunteer leaders and staff."
Scholarships and grants provide opportunities for youth and adults to strengthen their skills and maximize their positive impacts on the communities in which they live.
Announcing Scholarships The Montana 4-H Scholarship winners will be recognized at Montana 4-H Congress on the MSU campus in July. Attending Congress is not a requirement to be able to receive a scholarship. Students will also be recognized through social media, our website, and press releases.
How to Apply Each person only needs to complete one Montana 4-H scholarship application to apply for multiple Montana 4-H scholarships. Interested persons should complete the scholarship application via the Application platform on or before February 14.
Awarding of Montana 4-H scholarships is based on the availability of funds.
Scholarships Available
Anton and Helga Sundsted Pioneer Scholarship
One (1) scholarship of $1000
Purpose: This endowed scholarship was established in 2011 by the Anton “Tony” Sundsted family in honor of the pioneers who settled over 100 years ago, to assist young men and women in their pursuit of advanced education. It is for students who have demonstrated entrepreneurship through not only 4H projects but also involvement in their community, church and school by embracing the ideals of leadership, responsibility and integrity. Applicant requirements:
A Montana resident.
4-H member for at least three years.
Accepted into an accredited institution of higher education including both 2 year and 4 year programs in Montana, North Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming or Washington.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater.
Preference will be given to incoming freshman. However, current undergraduates will also be considered.
Pursuing a degree in an agricultural field of study as it relates to production, sciences, economics, education/communications and engineering.
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
BARBARA EDENS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: Family and friends created this scholarship to honor Barbara Edens, an educator and longtime 4-H supporter and leader. This scholarship will be awarded to 4-H members exemplifying leadership, sportsmanship, and communication through involvement in the Montana 4-H horse project. Applicant requirements:
Graduating high school seniors.
Montana 4-H members active in leadership and the horse project
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
BOB AND MARGARET KING MEMORIAL 4-H SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: In 2017, the King family established a scholarship endowment to honor Bob and Margaret King. Both Bob and Margaret were big supporters of 4-H and appreciated the opportunities it gave their children and grandchildren. Bob believed that everyone should have a chance to go to college, and this scholarship helps inrepresenting his belief. Applicant requirements:
Open to incoming freshman or current students
Must have participated in 4-H livestock projects (other than horse)
Be attending an in-state institution of higher learning, including two-year vocational, trade or technical schools
Have a 2.5 GPA or greater
May receive the scholarship more than once, however preference will be given to new applicants
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
BUD DAWSON LIVESTOCK SCHOLARSHIP
Two (2) scholarships of $500 each
Purpose: Cascade County cattleman Bud Dawson left an estate gift which will include scholarships for youth participating in the 4-H livestock projects. Priority may be given to Cascade and surrounding county applicants. Applicant requirements:
Be a graduating high school senior
Be a Montana 4-H member who has been active in livestock projects
Preference given to Cascade County members
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
CARSON CHRISTENSEN MEMORIAL 4-H SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: This scholarship was established in 2014 in memory of Carson Christensen for Stillwater County 4-H members who have been enrolled in the beef project. Preference will be given to those pursuing a career associated with the beef industry. Applicant requirements:
Be high school senior, or high school graduate with at least one year of post-secondary education remaining
Have maintained a 2.0 GPA
Have been enrolled in the 4-H beef project in Stillwater County
Be accepted or already enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution (including vocational, trade or technical school)
Preference will be given to students pursuing a degree/career associated with the beef industry.
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
CEDRIC AND ELFRIEDE MAURER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $3,000
Purpose: The Cedric & Elfriede Maurer Memorial Scholarship was established by the Maurer family to honor their parents Cedric and Elfriede, who farmed and ranched in Teton County and were long-time 4-H leaders. The scholarship will be awarded to 4-Hers who show dedication to 4-H and a history of volunteering and active involvement in their community. Preference will be given to residents of north central Montana, specifically Teton, Cascade, Chouteau and Pondera counties. Applicant requirements:
Resident of Montana
Montana 4-H member for at least 3 years
High school senior, or high school graduate with at least one year of post-secondary education remaining
Be accepted or already enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in Montana, including 2-year trade or vocational school
Preference will be given to applicants from north central Montana, specifically Teton, Cascade, Choteau and Pondera counties
Demonstrated history of community involvement and volunteering
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
CO BANK FARM CREDIT 4-H SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $1,500
Purpose: This endowed scholarship, established in 2019, will assist current college/university undergraduates attending any institute of higher education. Applicant must show a minimum of 3 years of 4-H experience in Montana. Applicant requirements:
Open to current full-time college/university students who are pursuing a degree in agriculture, business, or related field
Only undergraduate students may apply.
Student may be attending any institute of higher learning.
Student must have a 2.5 GPA or greater.
Student may not receive scholarship more than once.
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater as a full-time student
Be enrolled for a second term
Dora Lindner Memorial Endowment
One (1) scholarship of $1,000 Purpose: Dora Lindner was a lifelong supporter of 4-H. She was involved for many years as she grew up, raising market animals and participating in different ways. As an adult, Dora encouraged and supported her children in their own journeys through 4-H.
In 2023 Dora's family, along with huge support from friends, established a scholarship endowment in her memory. Dora was a cherished leader and volunteer in Lewis and Clark County. She helped youth of all ages as the Superintendent for Teen Leaders, Exploring 4-H, and Cloverbuds for many years. She was also the Overall Indoor Superintendent, Communication Day Coordinator, and a 4-H Camp Coordinator for several years.
Dora was an avid photographer and loved to document the activities of 4-H youth, especially the Dog project. She did so much for the organization that it is impossible to list all the ways she was involved and all the lives she touched. She enthusiastically educated 4-H youth and will continue to support them through this scholarship. Her family and friends hope this endowment will honor her loving, kind, and fun 4-H spirit for years to come. Application Requirements: 1. Be an incoming freshman or current student. 2. Be attending an accredited post-secondary institution, including two-year vocational or trade school. 3. Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher after the first grading period at post-secondary institution. Application Preferences: 1. Be a current or former Lewis and Clark County 4-H member. 2. Have participated in at least one indoor project or the dog project.
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater as a full-time student
Be enrolled for a second term
Douglas A. & Nancy W. Dear Memorial Scholarship
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: This scholarship was established as a memorial to Doug and Nancy Dear, instrumental contributors to the Montana 4-H Horse Program. The scholarship will assist an individual with an interest or background in the 4-H Horse Project who will be attending a college or university. Applicant requirements:
Be a high school senior
Show proficiency in Montana 4-H work in the horse project over a period of three years, preferably more
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
FIRST SECURITY BANK FOUNDATION 4-H SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: This endowed scholarship, established in 2015, will assist an incoming freshman or college undergraduate attending a Montana institute of higher education. Recipient must have lived in or participated in 4-H in a First Security Bank service area (see details below). Applicant requirements:
Be a high school senior or college undergraduate
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
Attend a Montana institute of higher education (trade school, 2-year or 4-year programs acceptable)
Live in or have participated in 4-H in a county within a First Security Bank service area. Priority given to Gallatin, Chouteau and Liberty Counties. If no qualified applicants from these counties, recipient may be from Park, Madison, Meagher, Teton, Hill, Blaine, Pondera, Fergus, Cascade or Judith Basin Counties.
Student may receive scholarship more than once if selected
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
June Beaver 4-H Scholarship
Ten (10) scholarships of $1000
Purpose: The June Beaver Scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing a line of study related to agriculture. This scholarship is made possible annually through the generosity of June Beaver, who is impressed by 4-H youth and their accomplishments. Applicant requirements:
Be an incoming freshman or current student.
Be attending an accredited post-secondary institution, including two-year vocational or trade school.
Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher after the first grading period at post-secondary institution.
Have at least 3 years of experience with Montana 4-H.
Application Preferences:
Pursuing an agricultural-related degree.
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
MABA/MGEA AGRI-BUSINESS 4-H SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $750
Purpose: Scholarship will be awarded to a former 4-H member pursuing a degree in an agricultural field. Montana Turkey Growers, a growers’ cooperative that no longer exists, originally provided funds for a small endowment. In 2012, Montana Agricultural Business Association (MABA) and the Montana Grain Elevator Association (MGEA) joined forces to fully fund the scholarship endowment. Applicant requirements:
Show a proficiency in Montana 4-H work over a period of at least three years
Be a senior in high school or currently pursuing a degree in an agricultural field at a Montana college
Preference to student pursuing a degree in plant science, agronomy or agri-business
Preference given to applicants involved in MABA/MGEA
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
MONTANA 4-H COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: The Montana 4-H Council established an endowment with the Montana 4-H Foundation in 2009 to be used for leadership opportunities for Montana 4-H youth and volunteers. A scholarship to assist a former 4-Her pursue higher education will be awarded in 2012. Applicant requirements:
Be a Montana Resident
Be a 4-H member for at least three years
Be attending an in- or out-of-state institution of higher learning, including two-year vocational, trade or technical schools, as an undergraduate student
Have completed 2 semesters (or the equivalent) at a college or university at the time of award
Be enrolled in good standing with their institution
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
MONTANA 4-H SHOOTING SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: The Montana 4-H Shooting Sports Committee first recognized an outstanding shooting sports member with a college scholarship in 2010. The recipient excels in the shooting sports project, as well as leadership, community service, and ethical behavior. Applicant requirements:
Be an incoming college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors enrolled in any college, university, or technical/trade school
Have been enrolled for at least one year in a 4-H shooting sports project.
Have shown a willingness to take on leadership roles and have worked with younger 4-H members in any of the shooting sports disciplines.
Have participated in community service activities through 4-H Shooting sports
Have promoted the 4-H Shooting sports project in a positive light
Have shown ethical behavior in competitive settings
Selection will be determined by a committee made up of members of the Montana State 4-H Shooting Sports Advisory Committee. Applications will be accepted under the guidelines of the Montana 4-H Foundation. Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
MONTANA FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $1,000
Purpose: The Montana Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship, established in 2013, is awarded to a student pursuing an agriculture-related degree. Applicant requirements:
Be an incoming freshman or current student.
Be attending an accredited post-secondary institution, including two-year vocational or trade school.
Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher after the first grading period at post-secondary institution.
Have at least 3 years of experience with Montana 4-H.
Application Preferences:
Pursuing an agricultural-related degree.
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
MONTANA WHEAT AND BARLEY
Two (2) scholarship of $1,250
Purpose: The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Scholarship is to assist students pursuing higher education in Montana. Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is a producer-funded arm of the Montana Department of Agriculture. The Committee conducts activities on behalf of growers such as buyer relations, trade team visits, producer relations, marketing, association engagement, funding research and sponsorships for agriculture education. Wheat and barley producer check-off dollars support these scholarships. For these scholarships, preference is given to students studying grain and crop sciences. Applicant requirements:
Be an incoming freshman or current student.
Be attending an accredited post-secondary institution, including two-year vocational or trade school.
Have a GPA of 2.5 or higher after the first grading period at post-secondary institution.
Have at least 3 years of experience with Montana 4-H.
Application Preferences:
Pursuing study in grain and crop sciences.
Strong 4-H work in crop/grains, agricultural/livestock, and bread or food sciences related to grains.
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
MURDOCH'S RANCH AND HOME SUPPLY SCHOLARSHIP
Five (5) scholarships of $1,000 each
Purpose: The Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply provides five (5) scholarships of $1,000 each. These scholarships are to be awarded to eligible Montana high school students. Students who can demonstrate a dedication to 4-H and the ideals of Leadership, Responsibility and Integrity should apply. In addition, applicants will be evaluated based on their academic achievement, their involvement with 4-H and their commitment to community service. Applicant requirements:
Be a high school senior
Be a resident of Montana
Have at least 3 years of experience in Montana 4-H
Be accepted into a college, university or accredited institution of higher learning
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
STEER IN TRAILER SALES 4-H SCHOLARSHIP
Five (5) scholarships of $500 each
Purpose: The Steer In Trailer Sales 4-H Scholarship was established in 2015 to assist five 4-Hers who have taken the livestock or horse project. Applicants from Gallatin, Broadwater, Madison-Jefferson and Park Counties will be given priority for two of the five scholarships. Steer In Trailer Sales, located in Three Forks, Montana, is a large horse, stock, utility, flatbed and cargo trailer dealership that proudly supports Montana 4-Hers. Applicant requirements:
Be a high school senior or an undergraduate in an institution of higher education, including vocational, trade or technical schools. At least four scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors.
Be a Montana resident
Have at least two years of 4-H experience
Have a 2.5 GPA or higher
Have been enrolled in the livestock or horse project
Residents of Gallatin, Broadwater, Madison-Jefferson and Park Counties will be given priority for at least two of the scholarships
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
TRAILWEST LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP
Two (2) scholarship of $1,000
Purpose: The TrailWest Leadership Scholarship will assist incoming or current students attending a 4 year institute of higher learning in Montana, who are pursuing a career in agricultural business or finance. This scholarship is sponsored by TrailWest Bank.
Applicant requirements:
Be a high school senior or undergraduate student
Be a Montana resident
Have at least a 2.5 GPA
Plan to attend a Montana 4-year college
Preference is given to those seeking a degree in Agriculture Business or Finance
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.5 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
W. DOYLE STOCKS SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: The W. Doyle Stocks Scholarship has been established to benefit a worthy Montana student planning to attend MSU-Bozeman. Preference is given to those studying Agriculture or Family Consumer Science. Applicant requirements:
Be a Montana resident
Be a Montana 4-H member for at least three years
Have a Montana 4-H background
Be a graduating high school senior planning to attend MSU-Bozeman
Have a High School GPA of 3.0 or higher
Preference given to a 4-H member pursuing a degree in a field of agriculture or family consumer science
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 3.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
WILCOX FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
One (1) scholarship of $500
Purpose: Through the generosity of the Wilcox Family, the Montana 4-H Foundation has established a scholarship program that will award $500 to eligible Montana high school students from Musselshell-Golden Valley or Rosebud-Treasure Counties, who have demonstrated a dedication to 4-H and to the ideals of Leadership, Responsibility and Integrity. In addition, applicants will be evaluated based on their academic achievement, their service and involvement with 4-H, and their contributions to their community. Applicant requirements:
Be a High School Senior
Be a Montana 4-H member in Musselshell-Golden Valley or Rosebud-Treasure counties
Have 3 years' experience in Montana 4-H
Be accepted into an accredited institution of higher education
Have a High School GPA of 3.0 or higher
Distribution of Funds Scholarship funds will be sent to the college or university on behalf of the recipient. Before this is done, the recipient must:
Have completed most recent semester with a GPA of 2.0 or greater
Be enrolled for a second term
Scholarship applications are done online using the scholarship platform "Kaleidoscope". Use the link below to access the application.