Fair Enough
The start of a new year means it's scholarship season for graduating 4-H seniors.
There is a lot of money available from the Indiana 4-H Foundation and other nonprofits, so why not see if you qualify? The application window is open from now through March 1, generally.
A good place to start is your county Extension office. They have a list of 4-H scholarships and can answer most of your questions, or at least point you in the right direction. Another source is the community foundation in your county. The scholarships available through the community foundation include a long list of possibilities, depending on your background. There might even be a scholarship for graduating seniors from your high school.
I would also check with your state and county Farm Bureau to see if they have any scholarships to award. Other possibilities include your FFA chapter, your church, fair board or agricultural co-op.
Most scholarship applications require you to write about your goals and future endeavors. This is a good exercise for most students, but it takes time and careful thought. Many students may be headed to college or vocational school without having clear goals. Every young person should have to answer the question: what do you want to do with your life?
When I was a high school senior, I received a $100 scholarship from the National Honor Society at my school. I never thought of applying for a 4-H scholarship, as it wasn't really promoted very much. Now, graduating 4-H seniors can apply for the Senior Year Scholarship, the Club Scholarship (open to 4-H'ers attending Purdue to study agriculture), the Purdue Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Scholarship, the Accomplishment Scholarship and many others.
Many scholarship providers want to invest in future generations. That is a good thing. Giving back is part of the 4-H program. If you are lucky enough to earn a scholarship, first, be thankful. The second thing is to work hard toward your goals. Demonstrate that the scholarship provider's trust in you wasn't misplaced. Prove yourself!