Kern Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Minnesota 4-H Foundation
Overview
This scholarship is available to Minnesota 4‑H members or alumni who will be beginning their freshman year at a campus in the Minnesota State (University of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System) or at a University of Minnesota campus. Each year three $1,500 scholarships are awarded.
Eligibility and award limits
- Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Recipients may reapply each year for up to three additional years, provided they continue to hold a 3.0 or better GPA.
- The maximum amount a single student may receive from this scholarship program is $6,000.
- Award notifications are sent in June.
What the selection committee considers
Applications are assessed on multiple factors, including:
- Financial need
- Reasons for attending college and career objectives
- 4‑H leadership, citizenship, and major offices held
- Significant 4‑H project work, overall 4‑H achievement, and awards/recognition
- Letters of recommendation
- Other community and school leadership or service activities
Application steps
To apply, submit the following:
1. The Kern Scholarship online application.
2. An official high school transcript (uploaded with the application).
3. Two letters of recommendation: one from an academic advisor and one from an Extension educator or volunteer leader. Both recommenders must be unrelated to the applicant.
Renewal instructions
To renew the scholarship in subsequent years:
- Complete the Kern Scholarship renewal form.
- Provide an unofficial college transcript.
Notification and payment
Recipients will be informed of awards in June. Scholarship funds are disbursed in January of the following year; checks are issued directly to the educational institution the recipient will attend (not to the student).
Support the scholarship
To contribute to the Kern Scholarship fund, visit the scholarship’s giving page.