4-H Events, News, and Scholarships

Grand Traverse County 4-H Newsletters

Michigan 4-H Events and Virtual Opportunities

From animal science to art exploration to STEAM experiments - Michigan 4-H has a virtual event or resource for everyone! Find an online 4-H event: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/events

Exploration Days

What’s It All About?

About 1,000 youth (ages 12-19) and chaperones from across Michigan attend annually.

This fun MSU pre-college program could be the highlight of your summer - it could even change your life!

4-H Exploration Days registration goes from mid-March through April with session assignments made on a first-come, first-served basis. As you select your session choices, be sure to watch for age restrictions! Age requirements for sessions are based on your age as of January 1.

Educational Resources for Parents, Teachers & Homeschool Families

To support teachers, parents and homeschool families in their educational efforts, MSU Extension has compiled a list of helpful resources that can be used by varying audiences to supplement school plans.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-learning-tools/

4-H Annual Wish List

Is your 4-H club in need of new educational resources this coming year? Does your club have a project idea but doesn’t currently have the materials or funds needed to make it happen? It’s time to think outside of the box!

Wish list items will benefit your entire club and its educational pursuits this year and beyond. Examples could include species specific equipment used by the club, such as shears, or show practice equipment needs. This is not intended for smaller individual items such as show leads. Please list specific brands and item names if your club has items in mind. Items and requests are subject to review and approval after submission.

Please return to Sarah Bye at byesarah@msu.edu by May 15, 2025.

2025 4-H Annual Wish List

4-H Clover Award

All Grand Traverse, Benzie and Leelanau County 4-H members ages 10-19 are eligible to apply for a Clover Award. Applications are due by Wednesday, July 23rd to the Grand Traverse or Leelanau 4-H office. Application finalists chosen to earn a Clover Award must complete an interview on Monday during the fair. The top youth interviewed will be awarded the Outstanding Clover Award during the 4-H Awards Ceremony the following Saturday and be known throughout the region as an exemplary 4-H’er! Prize: a $100 VISA gift card and a ribbon.

Clover Award Application 2025

Grand Traverse County 4-H Event Scholarship Applications

To be eligible for the following scholarships, applicants must be an active 4-H youth member or volunteer in Grand Traverse County, and have a financial need that limits the ability to participate without assistance. Each scholarship also has additional, specific requirements, as outlined in the applications. Each scholarship is a fillable PDF; please download, complete and return as instructed.

GT County 4-H Youth Leader's Association Advisory Board Scholarship/Reimbursement Program Application

Tractor Supply Company Scholarship Application

Grand Traverse County 4-H Horse & Pony Council Scholarship Application

Michigan 4-H Post-Secondary Education Scholarships

Michigan 4-H Foundation

Michigan 4-H Foundation scholarship funds provide financial support for post-secondary education for 4-H members. Michigan 4-H scholarships can be established with annual donations, memorial gifts or endowment funds. A variety of 4-H post-secondary scholarships are available to 4-H members. Eligibility and requirements varies by scholarship. Please note all scholarships may not be available every year.

MSU Precollege Scholarship

Only students in eighth, ninth or tenth grade following their MSU pre-college program (Exploration Days) involvement are eligible for consideration. This $2,000 scholarship is applied toward the student’s first year at MSU as a degree-seeking student. Scholarship recipients are not guaranteed admission to MSU and must meet admission requirements upon submitting the MSU application as an incoming undergraduate – either as an incoming freshman or transfer student. Students must contact the County 4-H Program Coordinator, Sarah Bye, for more information.

Grand Traverse County Post-Secondary Education Scholarship Applications

Melinda Klockziem Memorial Scholarship

REQUIREMENTS: The Melinda Klockziem Memorial Scholarship is an annual competitive scholarship awarded to a High School Senior who is a 4-H or FFA member, whose grade point average is greater than a 2.5 and who qualifies for financial aid and has been accepted by a college or trade school in an agriculture-related field. Preference will be given to students from Benzie County or surrounding counties.

Applicants will submit a letter of application to Benzie County 4-H Youth Development. The letter of application must include:

Three (3) references.
Letter of Acceptance from the college or trade school considering attending.
Reasons why the applicant feels consideration for the scholarship is warranted and be written in the student’s own words.
The students’ involvement with 4-H, FFA, and community service will be a significant factor in awarding the scholarship so attention to content and presentation will be very important.

Remit Applications to: 4-H Program Coordinator, MSU Extension Office, 448 Court Pl, Beulah, MI 49617 by April 30. The application can be found by clicking here.

Andrew L. Olson 4-H Scholarship

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants shall be either a past or present member of a Grand Traverse County 4-H Club, and must be attending a post-secondary school. Applications may be renewed annually for four (4) years; however, applications need to be submitted on a yearly basis between January 1 and the first Monday in April (by 5:00 p.m.). Candidates may be requested to attend an interview before final selection is made. Return a neatly completed application with a current photograph of yourself to the MSU Extension Grand Traverse County office. Application

The Paul T & Frances B Johnson Foundation Scholarship

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be a resident of Leelanau, Benzie or Grand Traverse Counties and have a GED, be graduating from or have graduated from a secondary educational institution and going to attend a post-secondary educational institution to be considered for aid. Applicants do not have to be a member of a 4-H club; however, will receive preference if they have been an active 4-H club member in your senior year and for at least two of the preceding five years. More Information and Application

Heather M Barley Memorial 4-H Scholarship

REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be a graduating senior, have a minimum 2.4 GPA, be a current member and senior in the Northwest Michigan 4-H Livestock Council and have been a member for a minimum of 3 years. Applications must include two letters of recommendation, resume and essay, as well as official high school transcripts and 3 wallet-sized pictures. Application

MSU Grand Traverse Area Alumni Spartans Club Scholarship

Each year, high school seniors and NMC students are eligible to apply for eight (8) $2,500 scholarships — for those who plan to attend Michigan State University in the fall. The MSU Grand Traverse Area Alumni Club scholarships are awarded to students from Antrim, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties along with Buckley High School. Scholarships are also available to NMC students who have graduated from these high schools and are transferring to MSU. Information and application

Other Scholarship Opportunities

Youth Financial Literacy Foundation

Each year, the Youth Financial Literacy Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors and first-year college students to aid in the advancement of their education.