Kentucky 4-H Foundation Scholarship Program

by: Keith Rogers

For over 100 years, 4-H has been instrumental in providing Kentucky’s youth opportunities for leadership and citizenship development as well as helping them to reach their highest potential while learning by doing. As those same bright individuals begin their college careers we would once again like the chance to enhance their learning ability by now offering six college scholarships.

With the support of our sponsors, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation is excited to award 4-H’ers the James W. Kidwell Memorial, Farm Credit Mid-America, and the Michael Bandy/Ale-8-One scholarships. To be eligible, applicants must have been an active 4-H member for the last two years, must graduate from high school in 2014, and also be a resident of Kentucky. Additional guidelines and applications are provided in the link below.

James W. Kidwell Memorial Scholarship

The Foundation’s newest scholarship opportunity comes with great thanks to Courtney Barancin, and Matthew Barancin the grandchildren of the late James W. Kidwell and their cousin Dorie Smith. This $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to one deserving 4-H’er with the goal of pursuing an agricultural career while attending the University of Kentucky.

At a time when graduate degrees were not the norm, James W. Kidwell earned his Master’s in Extension Education in 1949 after having completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, both from the University of Kentucky. While completing his studies he began his career in Extension as an Assistant County Agent in Pulaski County before ultimately becoming a District Leader for Southeastern Kentucky. Mr. Kidwell was a true believer in education and took pride in his involvement in the 4-H program.

This scholarship will help memorialize his dedication to improving the agricultural community while encouraging Kentucky’s youth to pursue higher education.

Farm Credit Mid-America Scholarships

These four scholarships of $500 each are sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America. The scholarships are awarded based on 4-H involvement, followed by financial need, then academic achievement. Farm Credit Mid-America, an agricultural cooperative serving farmers, rural residents and agribusiness, is one of the Foundation’s longest dedicated annual donors. They have provided support not only through these scholarships, but also to the Foundation’s Camp Improvement Campaign, donating over $125,000 in the past two years for capital projects.

The Michael Bandy/Ale-8-One Scholarship

Going into its fifth year, the Michael Bandy/Ale-8-One Scholarship is made possible by an endowment established by Ms. Brenda Bandy, mother of Michael Bandy, and the annual support from the Ale-8-One Bottling Company. Michael was a member of the Lexington morning radio show “Bandy and Bailey” until his untimely passing in 2008.

Michael created a Barbeque Sauce with a Kentucky flair by adding Ale-8-One to it. Together, Ms. Bandy and Ale-8-One established this scholarship in 2010 to honor Michael’s life and his passion for helping youth. For 2014, the 4-H Foundation will award one $1,000 scholarship to a 4-H member based on financial need, followed by 4-H involvement.

To learn more about this year’s scholarship opportunities and to view the current applications please click on the links below or contact your county 4-H Agent. The deadline for scholarship applications is Friday, May 16, 2014. (The applications must be postmarked by this date). The winners will be recognized during the State 4-H Teen Conference held June 9-12, 2014.

These scholarships would not be possible without the support of all of our wonderful sponsors. The Kentucky 4-H Foundation expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Courtney Barancin, Mr. Matthew Barancin, Ms. Dorie Smith, Farm Credit Mid-America, Ms. Brenda Bandy, and the Ale-8-One Bottling Company for the outstanding support they have provided by creating and endowing of these scholarships.

Wouldn’t it be great to see a 4-H’er from your area be awarded one of this year’s scholarships? We know there are many deserving 4-H’ers across the state and we need your help to share this information with him or her. The 4-H Foundation would love to see as many eligible applicants as possible!

We also encourage you in the 4-H community to provide your own scholarship opportunity to a deserving 4-H member through the 4-H Foundation. If this is an opportunity that you would like to take advantage of, please feel free to contact me. We would love to include your scholarship in next year’s program.

Scholarship applications can be found here.

2014 James W Kidwell Memorial Scholarship Application

2014 Farm Credit Service of Mid-Am Scholarship Application

2014 Michael Bandy Ale-8-One Scholarship Application