"4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills".

Wherever possible, forms are provided as fill-in pdfs. Anyone with Adobe Reader 7 or 8 can fill-in, save and print the pdf files. Most forms can be submitted by e-mail. For information on awards and scholarships, contact Deanna Karmazin by E-mail, phone: 402-441-7180.

This list was updated on October 6, 2008

AWARDS:

Lancaster County 4-H awards a variety of honors to members, volunteers and supporters. All award nominations were due January 2 and recipients are announced at 4-H Achievement Night in February (except monthly Heart of 4-H Award).

Community Service Awards (Deadline - January 2.) Description: all Lancaster County 4-H members are eligible to apply for this award which is based on the number of hours of community service through 4-H. Award Information & Record Form

Nebraska 4-H Career Portfolios (Deadline - January 2.) Description: Career portfolios are a record of your 4-H Career. They include a listing of your personal growth and leadership experiences related to the knowledge learned, skills gained and community service/volunteer activities experienced through 4-H. Career portfolios focus on one of Nebraska 4-H's eight curriculum areas: Animal Science, Communication & Expressive Arts, Consumer & Family Science, Environmental Education & Earth Sciences, Healthy Lifestyles Education, Leadership & Citizenship, Plant Science, and Science & Technology. In Lancaster County, 4-H members who complete two years of a 4-H project may submit a Career Portfolio in that corresponding curriculum area (each 4-H'er may submit one portfolio in each of the eight curriculum areas). Lancaster County 4-H selects the top qualifying career portfolios to advance to the state level. 4-H members ages 15-19 can qualify to have two career portfolios sent to state. State winners are eligible to attend National 4-H Congress. County winners are announced at 4-H Achievement Night. Go to the Nebraska 4-H Web site for more information and Career Portfolio Form [http://4h.unl.edu/programs/careerportfolio/careerindex.htm].

I Dare You Leadership Award (Deadline - January 2.) Description: Each year, Lancaster County 4-H selects two 4-H members who are juniors or seniors to be awarded I Dare You Leadership Awards on behalf of the American Youth Foundation [http://www.ayf.com/prog_idy_main.asp]. The award recognizes youth who strive to be their personal best and make a positive difference in their schools, youth groups, 4-H clubs, and communities. They do not need to hold leadership positions currently, but should be recognized by peers and adults who work with them as emerging leaders. Nominations may be made by 4-H leaders, parents or friends. They may also be self-nominated. Nomination Form

Outstanding 4-H Member Award (Deadline - January 2.) Description: presented to an individual 14 years of age or older who has excelled in their involvement with the 4-H program. The basis for selection appraises the variety and depth of 4-H activities. Nominations may be made by 4-H leaders, parents or friends. They may also be self-nominated. Nomination Form

Meritorious Service Award (Deadline - January 2.) Description: presented to individuals or organizations who have exhibited consistent and strong support of the Lancaster County 4-H program. 4-H members are not eligible. Anyone can make nominations. Nomination Form

Diamond Clover Award (Deadline - January 2.) Description: The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program recognizes the accomplishments of 4-H’ers ages 8-18. Youth can progress from Level 1 up to Level 6. At the beginning of the 4-H year, youth choose goals from a provided list and at the end of the 4-H year, fill out a report which documents their accomplishments. Diamond Clover Award Web site

Heart of 4-H Award -- Lancaster County 4-H presents a Heart of 4-H Award to a Lancaster County 4-H volunteer each month! Announced monthly in The Nebline newsletter. Ongoing deadline. On-line Nomination Form

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS:

A variety of scholarships are available to high school seniors active in Lancaster County 4-H. Scholarship applications were due January 2 and recipients are announced at 4-H Achievement Night in February (except Nebraska 4-H and Nebraska Association of Fair Managers scholarships).

4-H Council (Deadline - January 2) Description: six $500 scholarships to active Lancaster County 4-H members who have excelled in their involvement with the 4-H program. The basis for selection appraises the variety and depth of 4-H activities. Application

4-H Teen Council (Deadline - January 2.) Description: two $250 scholarships to 4-H'ers who are active in Lancaster County 4-H Teen Council. The basis for selection appraises the variety and depth of Teen Council activities. Applicant must help with at least one major activity during their senior year. Application

Lincoln Center Kiwanis (Deadline - January 2.) Description: two $1,000 scholarships to active Lancaster County 4-H members. The basis for selection includes variety and depth of 4-H activities, scholastic standing, activity involvement and financial need. Application

Lane Community 4-H Scholarship (Deadline - January 2.) Description: one $200 scholarship to a Lancaster County 4-H member attending Raymond Central High School. Must have a minimum of three years 4-H experience. Application

Nebraska 4-H Scholarships -- there are several statewide Nebraska 4-H scholarships: Loewenstien ($800-1,000), Orschlen Industries Foundation (3 x $1,000 each), Horse-Grand Island Saddle Club (4 x $1,000 each) and R. B. Warren 4-H Horse Educational ($500) scholarships. Go to the Nebraska 4-H Web site for scholarship information and application. [http://4h.unl.edu/kids/scholarships.htm] Deadline is March 1.

Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards -- The Nebraska Association of County Extension Boards (NACEB) Scholarship Program for the current academic year. Deadline is March 15. (Application Posted When it is Available.)

Scholarship Includes:

• One $1000 scholarship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) or in the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) for an incoming student (freshmen or transfer student).
• One $500 scholarship for a current student (sophomore or higher) enrolled in CASNR or CEHS.

Nebraska Association of Fair Managers -- $500 statewide scholarships: Martha & Don Romeo Scholarship (Application) to two 4-H'ers and Staats Custom Awards (Application) to one 4-H and/or FFA senior. Each applicant must have exhibited his/her projects in a County Fair or at the State Fair within the last four years. Lancaster County 4-H selects county finalists. Recipients are announced at the annual NAFM convention. Deadline is December 1.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS:

The following scholarships go towards attending Nebraska 4-H summer camp(s). Applications are due May 1.

4-H Camp Discount: -- Everyone is eligible for a 10% Discount - register BEFORE APRIL 1. You don't have to be in 4-H to go to a Nebraska 4-H Summer Camp. Learn more

Windstream 4-H Camp Scholarship -- Thanks to the generosity of Windstream Communications, two Lancaster County 4-H members will receive full scholarships to attend a 4-H summer camp at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Camp near Gretna! Applicants must be age 9 or older and currently enrolled in 4-H. Scholarship is based on need. Deadline is May 1 Application

Joyce Vahle Memorial Scholarship -- $100 scholarship is awarded to a youth between the ages of 8-14 to be used towards attending 4-H camp. Applicants should be currently, or have had at some point been, enrolled in at least one sewing project. Deadline is May 1. Application

University of Nebraska Scholarships & Financial Aid Resources:

• University of Nebraska
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• UNL School of Natural Resources
• UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR)