Union County 4-H Opens Two $1,000 Scholarships

Two scholarships are bringing hope to Union County, Oregon teens who have dedicated years to building their communities through 4-H. Applications opened this week for awards worth $500 to $1,000 each, designed specifically for high school seniors who grew up serving others.

The Matthew Coote Memorial 4-H Scholarship and the Union County 4-H Scholarship will each go to one or two students this year. That means up to four young leaders could receive funding to help launch their college careers or vocational training.

The requirements tell a story about what matters most in this rural Oregon community. Applicants must have been active 4-H members for at least three years during high school, showing up consistently to make a difference. They need to demonstrate leadership, get involved in their schools, and give back to their neighbors.

Good grades matter too, but so does character. The selection committee is looking for teens who have contributed meaningfully to the 4-H program itself, helping it grow and thrive for the next generation.

The Ripple Effect

These scholarships do more than help individual students pay tuition. They send a clear message to every middle schooler in Union County 4-H that their volunteer hours, leadership skills, and community service are investments in their own futures.

By recognizing teens who stick with the program through all four years of high school, the awards encourage younger members to stay committed even when life gets busy. That means stronger youth programs, more community service projects, and a pipeline of engaged young citizens.

The application process is straightforward. Students need to submit complete packets to the OSU Extension Office by 5:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026. Winners will receive their awards at their high school graduation ceremonies, celebrating their achievements in front of the communities they served.

For rural students facing rising college costs, even $500 can mean the difference between attending school close to home or skipping higher education entirely. These scholarships make dreams more accessible while honoring young people who already gave so much back.

The countdown is on for Union County's teen leaders to tell their stories and claim the recognition they've earned.