4-H offers a variety of scholarships, programs, and awards to our members in order to help them further their education and accomplish their goals.
If you have any questions regarding the listed scholarships and awards, please contact us.
Awards
Somerset county outstanding 4-h Member
Due: All materials are due by June 1 (late applications will not be accepted).
About: Candidates must have completed their junior year in high school by June 30 of this year and be currently active in the Somerset County 4-H Program. Selection is based on leadership, participation, community service, personal growth, and overall contribution to the 4-H program. Applicants must complete the entire application themselves and request a recommendation letter from a 4-H leader or Somerset County adult volunteer (not a family member).
Submission: Recommendation letters may be emailed to SomersetCounty4H@somersetcountynj.gov, or mailed/delivered in a sealed envelope to: Somerset County 4-H Office 310 Milltown Rd, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
More Information: Click Here to Complete Application
ANNUAL COUNTY PINS, CERTIFICATES, AND MEDALS
Due: Dates vary depending on 4-H division and club award ceremonies.
About: Somerset County 4-H celebrates the accomplishments of our members and volunteer leaders through a variety of recognition opportunities. These include participation recognition pins, achievement certificates, and county project medals, which may be awarded at the Achievement Award Ceremony and/or at a special club meeting.
Submission: To nominate a member or leader for these awards, click here to download the nomination form.
More Information: To learn more about Annual Pins and Achievement Awards, please review this information sheet.
Clover Awards
Due: October 1
About: The “Clover Awards” are presented once a year to four active 4-H members who exhibit and uphold the characteristics of the “Clover”: head, heart, hands, and health. One award will be presented to a youth member or a 4-H Club per category.
Submission: 4-H members may be nominated by adult volunteers or Somerset County 4-H office staff (not a family member). Recommendations must be emailed to SomersetCounty4H@somersetcountynj.gov between September 1st and October 1st.
More Information: Click here to download the Clover Awards Nomination Form.
Youth Leadership
New Jersey 4-H Agriculture Ambassador Program
The application for the 2025-2026 New Jersey 4-H Agriculture Ambassador Program is now open. This opportunity is open to 4-H members who are currently in grades 9 through 13.
Now entering its second year, this statewide program is open to all 4-H members with an interest in agriculture, animal science, food systems, natural resources, or related fields. Eligible youth are highly encouraged to apply and take advantage of this unique leadership and educational experience.
The 4-H Agriculture Ambassador Program is designed to develop youth leaders who are passionate about promoting agriculture and increasing public understanding of its importance in New Jersey and beyond. Participants will gain valuable skills in communication, career readiness, advocacy, and leadership while engaging in hands-on learning experiences, networking opportunities, and outreach events. Ambassadors will also represent NJ 4-H at various local and statewide agricultural events throughout the program year.
Applications are due by October 1st 2025, and selected ambassadors will be notified by October 10th.
Click here for the application.
Questions can be directed to Melissa Bright at: mb2173@njaes.rutgers.edu
scholarships
Somerset county 4-H Association Scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
About: Scholarship recipent will receive a grant of $1,500 provided that they have been accepted for a regular course of study at a college, technical or vocational school.
Requirements: Candidates must be:
a graduating high school senior or 13th-grade student
a current 4-H member in good standing with a Somerset County 4-H club
one (1) letter of recommendation from an adult currently active in the Somerset County 4-H program.
currently registered on 4-H online
have not previously received the Somerset County 4-H Association Scholarship
More Information: Please use this application form.
rob fellows scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
About: Scholarship recipient will receive a grant of $1,000 provided that they have been accepted for a regular course of study at a college or technical school.
Submissions: Applications may be mailed or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to our office located here or email to us at sc4hscholarship@gmail.com
More Information: Please use this application form.
Joseph j. and Florence e. klimas Scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
About: Scholarship recipient will receive a grant of $1,000 to pursue a major in Education.
Submissions: Applications may be mailed or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to our office located here or email to us at sc4hscholarship@gmail.com
More Information: Please use this application form.
4-H trainmasters scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
About: Scholarship recipient will receive a grant of $1000 provided that they have been accepted for a regular course of study at a college or technical school.
Submissions: Applications may be mailed or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to our office located here or email us at sc4hscholarship@gmail.com
More Information: Please use this application form.
Maureen McHale Memorial Scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
About: This scholarship is for Somerset County 4-H members who are seniors in high school with plans to attend a 4-year college or university following graduation, pursuing any field of study. The scholarship recognizes 4-H members who have made outstanding contributions to their 4-H clubs and community and have demonstrated exceptional involvement in 4-H activities related to service, leadership, and teamwork. One applicant will be selected to receive a total grant of $5,000, with $2,500 awarded in each of their first two years of college or university study.
Submissions: Typed and completed applications should be delivered to the 4-H office by April 1. All applications must be accompanied by 1 letter of recommendation from a 4-H adult. Letters of recommendation must be delivered to the 4-H office by April 1.
More Information: Please use this application form.
4-h prep scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
About: Scholarship Recipient will receive a one-time grant of $1,000 provided that they have been accepted for a regular course of study or are currently a student attending a college, technical or vocational school. Only prior Somerset County 4-H Prep members in 12 & 13 grades are eligible.
Submissions: Applications may be mailed or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to our office located here or email us at sc4hscholarship@gmail.com
More Information: Please use this application form.
4-H Alpaca Scholarship
About: Scholarship recipient will receive a grant of $1000 provided that they will be attending a college, university or technical school full time.
Submissions: Applications may be mailed or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to our office located here or email us at sc4hscholarship@gmail.com
More Information: Please use this application form.
4-H Friend of Prep Scholarship
Due: April 1, 2026
About: Scholarship recipient(s) will receive a one-time grant of $500. To qualify, applicants must either be accepted into a regular course of study or currently attending a college, technical, or vocational school. This scholarship is for a 4-H member who was not a member of the Prep/Cloverbud Program but positively contributes to the program by assisting at events and/or club meetings, and mentoring Prep/Cloverbud members.
Submissions: Applications may be mailed or hand delivered in a sealed envelope to our office located here or email us at sc4hscholarship@gmail.com
More Information: Please use this application form.
additional scholarships
The Edward Rosania, William B. Staats, and Peter Smith Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to perpetuate the memory and spirit of Edward Rosania, William B. Staats, and Peter Smith by the encouragement and promotion of agricultural endeavors. Scholarship recipient(s) will receive a one-time grant; the award will be presented to the recipient(s) at the Somerset County 4-H Fair.
Deadline Date: July 15, 2026.
More Information: Please use this application form.
The Dawn Christy Memorial Grant Program
The Dawn Christy Memorial Grant Program. Dawn Christy was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, 4-H member, 4-H leader, farmer and entrepreneur. Sadly, Dawn lost her battle with a very aggressive form of leukemia in June of 2023. To honor her memory and help individuals who embrace her courage, drive, and strength we have created the Dawn Christy Memorial Grant Program. The mission of this program is to honor the memory of Dawn Chirsty Granja by providing grants to Somerset County 4-H members who are a freshman in college or alumni of any age. This grant is to aid them in pursuing success in trade school, agriculture, or entrepreneurship, etc. Grant(s) will be awarded to the recipient(s) in June. Recognition of their efforts will take place at the Somerset County 4-H Fair Market Lamb sale in August of the current year. To apply, fill out the Dawn Christy Memorial Grant Program Application by May 31st. Mail or hand deliver the application to c/o Dawn Christy Memorial Grant Program, (the Somerset County 4-H Office) 310 Milltown Road Bridgewater NJ 08807.
Click here for application: DCMGP Application
Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships & Contests
Scholarships
New Jersey DAR offers two scholarships: the Betty Bradbury Vail Scholarship and the NJDAR Scholarship. Any high school senior who is a U.S. citizen and requires financial assistance to continue their education may apply for one or both scholarships. Deadline for both: January 15, 2027.
2027 Betty Bradbury Vail Scholarship Application
New Jersey DAR Scholarship Application
Contests
These national DAR contests present awards for each grade in each contest on the local, state and national levels. All students who enter will be recognized on the local level; the top three will receive awards and the first-place winners go on to the state contest; state winners go on to the national contest. Deadline: December 15, 2026.
Patriots of the American Revolution Essay Contest: Open to students in grades 9 -12. Apply Here
American History Video Contest: Open to students in grades 5-12. Challenges students to create a three-minute video about a patriot who lived during the Revolution. Apply Here
American History Essay Contest: Open to grades 5-8. The essay asks the writer to imagine hearing a first reading of the Declaration of Independence. Apply Here
Junior American Citizens Contest: Theme is the Statue of Liberty. Open to students K-12, offers a variety of contest categories — Poster; Postage Stamp Design; Digital Art; Photographic Essay; Poetry; Short Story; Graphic Novel/Comic; and Community Service (group or individual entry, does not have to reflect the theme). Apply Here
The following is a state contest with awards presented on the local and state level. All students who enter will be recognized on the local level. The state will award $150, $75, and $25 in each Division.
New Jersey DAR Fashion Design Contest: Youth up to age 21 may submit a wearable garment or fashion accessory that they have sewn, knitted, crocheted or woven. New! The contest now includes upcycled items — existing garments or accessories given new life by changes, repurposing, or embellishment. There is a brief entry form to submit along with three digital photos. Deadline: February 1, 2027.
Special Recognition
DAR Youth Leadership Medal: This medal may be awarded to a boy or girl in grades 5 to 11 who demonstrate the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. 4-H selects one or two recipients to be recognized by the DAR. Deadline: July 1, 2027