Kern Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Minnesota 4-H Foundation
Description
Purpose and scope
The Kern Scholarship supports Minnesota 4‑H members and alumni who are beginning college. It provides annual awards for students enrolling as freshmen at a campus in the Minnesota State system or at the University of Minnesota. Three scholarships are awarded each year.
Key takeaways
- Supports Minnesota 4‑H members or alumni entering college as freshmen.
- Eligible institutions: Minnesota State system campuses or University of Minnesota campuses.
- Three awards are granted annually.
Eligibility
Who can apply
Applicants must be current or former Minnesota 4‑H members and be entering their freshman year at an eligible institution. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required at the time of application. Applicants must meet the other application requirements specified on the application form.
Key takeaways
- Open to Minnesota 4‑H members and alumni only.
- Intended for incoming college freshmen.
- Minimum cumulative GPA required: 3.0.
Award
Value
Amount and maximum
Each annual Kern Scholarship award is $1,500. Recipients may receive awards for multiple years; the maximum total per student is $6,000. That total corresponds to receiving the $1,500 award up to four times (initial award plus up to three renewals).
Key takeaways
- Single-year award: $1,500.
- Maximum cumulative award per student: $6,000.
- Up to four annual awards possible (initial + three renewals).
Selection
Criteria
How recipients are chosen
A review committee evaluates all applications using a set of academic, financial and 4‑H achievement criteria. Evaluations consider financial need, stated reasons for attending college, career goals, leadership and citizenship in 4‑H and the broader community, major 4‑H projects and offices, documented awards, and letters of reference. The committee uses these factors to make final award determinations.
Key takeaways
- Committee evaluates academic, financial and 4‑H accomplishments.
- Key factors: financial need, career plans, 4‑H leadership and awards.
- Letters of reference and community/school involvement are considered.
How to
Apply
Required materials and submission
Applicants complete the online Kern Scholarship application and upload supporting documents. Required uploads include an official high school transcript and two letters of recommendation: one from an academic advisor and one from an Extension educator or 4‑H volunteer leader. Both letters must come from non‑relatives.
Key takeaways
- Apply via the Kern Scholarship online application.
- Upload official high school transcript.
- Provide two non‑relative recommendation letters (academic advisor + Extension educator/volunteer leader).
How to
Renew
Renewal eligibility and process
Awarded students may re‑apply annually for continued funding, for up to three additional years after the initial award. Renewal requires completing the Kern Scholarship renewal form and submitting an unofficial college transcript. To be eligible for renewal each year, recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Key takeaways
- Recipients may renew up to three times (annual re‑applications).
- Renewal steps: complete renewal form + submit unofficial college transcript.
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA to qualify for renewal.
Timeline and
Notification
When decisions and payments occur
Applicants are notified of award decisions in June. Scholarship award funds are scheduled for disbursement to the recipient’s institution in January of the following year. Be sure to watch application deadlines on the scholarship page so required documents arrive on time for review.
Key takeaways
- Award notifications are sent in June.
- Scholarship disbursement to school occurs in January of the following year.
- Adhere to posted application deadlines to be considered.
Payment and
Disbursement
How funds are issued
Kern Scholarship checks are payable directly to the institution the recipient attends, not to the student. The scholarship administrator issues the payment to the college or university to be applied toward the student’s tuition or fees per the school’s payment policies.
Key takeaways
- Payments are made to the recipient’s institution, not the student.
- Funds are intended to be applied toward educational costs through the school.
- Check issuance follows the scholarship timeline.
Support and
Giving
Make a gift or learn more
The Kern Scholarship is supported by donations. To contribute or find additional program information, visit the scholarship’s giving page. The giving page also lists contact information and any updates to program details.
Key takeaways
- Donations support the Kern Scholarship fund.
- Visit the Kern Scholarship giving page to donate or get more details.
- The giving page includes contact info and program updates.