Scholarships

It is that time again for graduating seniors to start applying for college and filling out scholarships!  Seniors need to apply for their colleges/universities NOW! Acceptance for some schools will come as early as November. It is better on a  scholarship to have been accepted already to a school. So apply NOW for school!

Scholarships are also starting to come open and ready for applications. Make sure and watch the newsletter and the Bell County 4-H Website for those scholarship application deadlines. It is  always being updated with new scholarships and deadlines.

2024 District 8 Scholarship 101 Recording

Scholarship Workshop Recording

 2026 Big Tex Scholarship Program

Youth Livestock Scholarships

Eligible high school seniors should note that these scholarships are for in-state schools only. No out-of-state scholarships are offered by the State Fair of Texas.

Established in 1992, the State Fair of Texas Scholarship Program has awarded approximately.
$3 million in new and renewed scholarships. The fund is open to eligible high school seniors from
 around the state who participate in State Fair livestock shows. Yearly renewals may be awarded to students who exhibit high scholastic achievement. A cumulative 3.0 college GPA is the minimum standard for a renewal. Renewals will not be made for more than four years total or past undergraduate graduation.

Click here to fill out the application

The application deadline is February 1, 2026.

Texas 4-H Foundation Opportunity Scholarship Program

2026 TEXAS 4-H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Texas 4-H Youth Development Program, Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation, and the donors have the expectation and requirement that every 4-H member being awarded a Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarship be present (in person) at the scholarship interviews in College Station and the scholarship awards banquet(s) in College Station. Before you begin your scholarship application, please review the dates below to be sure that you are able, and willing, to participate in the dates mentioned. Applicants and families should schedule vacations, other award trips, sports activities, etc. at other times than those listed below.

Due Dates and Deadlines for 2026:

January 31, 2026 – Applicant must complete FAFSA

February 15, 2026 – Applications due

April 2026 – Interview selection notification

April 2026 – Interviews in College Station

June 2026 – Awards Assembly in College Station

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Baccalaureate – For students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited Texas University or College
• There is no quartile ranking minimum requirement. However, some donor criteria require a top ¼ or top ½ ranking to be considered for their specific scholarship.

Technical – For students pursuing a technical certificate in a recognized and approved major/course of study.
• Does NOT have plans to continue a formal education at a Texas College and/or University after the completion of a technical program or obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Courageous Heart – For students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or technical certificate that have overcome extreme obstacles related to medical, family, and/or education and remained an active member in both 4-H and school.
• Will upload 3 letters of support outlining in detail the obstacle and how the applicant has overcome the situation.
• 1 additional narrative explaining your circumstances will be required.
• Have documentation of obstacles related to health, education, and/or family situation.
• All Courageous Heart Scholarships that are awarded are $5,000.

General Requirements
1. Be an enrolled member of the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program for the current year and at least two of the three previous years, for a minimum of 3 years of enrollment. Must have a current 4-HOnline profile and be in good standing with the Texas 4-H Youth Development
program at all levels (County, District, and State).
2. Be a Texas Resident and United States citizen. If the applicant’s transcript reflects a place of birth other than the United States, proof of naturalization must be provided.
3. Be scheduled to graduate from a Texas High School (public, private, or home) during the 2025-2026 school year.
4. Have applied to enroll with intent to attend an accredited, Texas College or University in the Fall of 2026. Youth with plans or intentions of attending a non-Texas College/University/Trade School are not eligible to apply. If your intentions or plans change after being awarded a
scholarship, you will forfeit the scholarship.
5. Have been accepted into a Texas College/University or Technical School for the Fall 2026 semester by the time of the interview.
6. Complete and pass all necessary standardized test(s)/ requirements for graduation and meet the entrance requirements for the college or university for which formal application has been made.
7. All scholarship recipients MUST BE PRESENT at Scholarship Interviews and donor banquet/event(s), to receive a scholarship.
8. Must have completed the 2025-2026 FAFSA Application by January 31 st.
9. Must have the CEA verification form signed and uploaded into the scholarship portal prior to submitting your scholarship application. *NEW*
10. A school official must complete the third-party verification form prior to you submitting your scholarship application.
11. Application must be complete and correct once submitted for consideration. Any application deemed incomplete or incorrect will be disqualified for consideration.
12. Applications must be submitted through the scholarship portal by 11:59 pm February 15.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORY

2026 Bell County 4-H Scholarship

Bell County 4-H is excited to release the 2026 Bell County 4-H Scholarship Application.  Application deadline in Bell County Extension Office (not postmarked) by March 2, 2026.

No late applications will be accepted.

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in Bell County 4-H.
• Applicants must have completed at least 3 years as a 4-H member in Bell County.
• Applicants must be a graduating Senior of a Bell County high school or equivalent and attend college, vocational, or technical school in the 2026 fall semester.
• Applicants must complete application and essay. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application must be typed, font no smaller than 12 pt. Essay must be typed, double spaced, font no smaller than 12 pt. and two pages maximum.
• Applicants must have applied to an accredited university, college or technical school. Any major is acceptable.
• Sealed high school transcript/scholastic record must be attached to the application.
• Application must include two (2) letters of recommendations. Letters cannot be from family members.
• Must stay in within the space allotted.

2026 Bell County 4-H Scholarship Word- 2026 Bell County 4-H Scholarship

2026 Bell County 4-H Scholarship – 2026 Bell County 4-H Scholarship – Fillable

2026 Houston Livestock Show Area Go Texan Scholarship

AREA GO TEXAN SCHOLARSHIP

In 2026, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ (the “Show”) will award 79 four–year, $20,000 Area Go Texan Scholarships to outstanding students graduating from public school districts in counties participating in the Show’s Area Go Texan program.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s educational programs are a significant part of the Show’s goals of benefiting youth, supporting education, and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. All recipients of Show scholarships must demonstrate academic potential,
citizenship/leadership and financial need, and they must attend a Texas college or university.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. Be a citizen of the United States. If the applicant’s transcript reflects a place of birth other than the United States, appropriate proof of citizenship must be furnished (i.e. a copy of the photo page of a valid U. S. passport, a copy of Naturalization Certificate or a birth certificate for U. S. Citizen Born Abroad). Applications submitted without proof of citizenship will not be
considered. Students with permanent resident status are not eligible to apply.
2. Be a Texas resident.
3. Attend a public high school in one of the 68 participating counties, Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cherokee, Colorado, Comanche, Coryell, DeWitt, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Goliad, Gonzales, Gregg, Grimes, Hamilton, Hardin, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Karnes, Lampasas, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Live Oak, Madison, Matagorda, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Panola, Polk, Refugio, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Washington, Wharton, Williamson.
4. Be a graduating senior in the 2025-2026 school year.
5. Be ranked in the top third (1/3) of the graduating class at the completion of the first semester of the senior year. This ranking is to be verified as a part of the official transcript or by an accompanying certification from an appropriate school official.
6. Have made formal application to enroll with intent to attend an accredited, not–for–profit Texas college or university (accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges) and participate in a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree. Strictly online colleges and universities, even if they are not–for–profit, are not permitted.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Application Process:
Part 1 – Consists of completing the online application prior to the given deadline
Part 2 – Submission of School Official information prior to given deadline
2. Area Go Texan Scholarship applications are only available online through the Show’s website, www.rodeohouston.com, under the Educational Support Area.
3. Applicants are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit a copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR), which is obtained once the FAFSA is accepted. Please note that it takes at least one week after submitting the application for you to receive the report. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT FAFSA REPORTS THAT SAY “ESTIMATED EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION.”
4. A recipient of any Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship may not receive more than $110,000 in funding from financial aid, grants or any other scholarships for the four–year term of an undergraduate degree. This does not include the Show Scholarship or loans. If selected to receive a Show scholarship, the applicant must provide verification of all other financial aid, grants or scholarships received. The scholarship award is not confirmed without such verification, and failure to completely disclose all financial aid or other scholarships shall deem the applicant ineligible to receive the scholarship award.
5. All required documentation will be uploaded during the application completion process. All documents must be submitted via the online application. No paper documents will be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted! There are no changes to submitted applications.
6. Applicants are required to provide a school official’s contact information for Part 2 of the application. The school official must be able to provide the applicant’s class ranking, GPA, and official transcript. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that the school official listed can provide the required information by the stated guidelines. After submission, there are no changes to applications, including updating or changing information for the school official.

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES
It is the sole responsibility of each applicant and their parent/guardian to be aware of all dates and deadlines.

The Show will not accept or consider any incomplete or late applications. No exceptions will be made. There are no changes to submitted applications.
February 2, 2026 – 7:59 PM Online Application Closes
February 6, 2026 – 4:59 pm School Official Submission Closes
May 2026 Recipient selection notification
June 2026 Scholarship Recipient Celebration

https://www.rodeohouston.com/Educational-Support/Scholarships/Apply

2026 Houston Livestock Show Exhibitor Scholarship

In 2026, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ (the “Show”) will award 30 four–year, $20,000 Exhibitor Scholarship to outstanding exhibitors in one of the 17 eligible Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Shows. Students must exhibit in the 2026 Show to be eligible.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s educational programs are a significant part of the Show’s goals of benefiting youth, supporting education, and facilitating better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. All recipients of Show scholarships must demonstrate academic potential, citizenship/leadership and financial need, and they must attend a Texas college or university.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Be a U.S. citizen and Texas resident.
• Graduating high school senior from eligible school
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid available December 2024.
• Plan to attend an accredited, not-for-profit university in the State of Texas.
• Have met minimum score requirement for either SAT or ACT.

ELIGIBLE SHOWS
Students who have participated in the following shows in the current 2026 show year are eligible to apply for the Exhibitor Scholarship.
1. All Breed Youth Horse Show
2. Cutting (NCHA)
3. Paint Horse
4. Quarter Horse
5. Youth Ranch Horse
6. Youth Ranch Rodeo
7. Junior Invitational
8. Junior Breeding Beef Heifer Show
9. Junior Breeding Gilt Show
10. Junior Breeding Sheep Show
11. Junior Commercial Steer Contest
12. Junior Dairy Cattle Show
13. Junior Market Barrow Show
14. Junior Market Broiler Show
15. Junior Market Goat Show
16. Junior Market Lamb Show
17. Junior Market Steer Show
18. Junior Market Turkey Show

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Application Process:
Part 1 – Consists of completing the online application prior to the given deadline
Part 2 – Submission of School Official information prior to given deadline
2. Exhibitor Scholarship applications are only available online through the Show’s website, www.rodeohouston.com, under the Educational Support Area.
3. Applicants are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit a copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR), which is obtained once the FAFSA is accepted. Please note that it takes approximately one week after submitting the application for you to receive the report.
4. A recipient of any Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship may not receive more than $110,000 in funding from financial aid, grants or any other scholarships for the four–year term of an undergraduate degree. This does not include the Show Scholarship or loans. If selected to receive a Show scholarship, the applicant must provide verification of all other financial aid, grants or scholarships received. The scholarship award is not confirmed without such
verification and failure to completely disclose all financial aid or other scholarships shall deem the applicant ineligible to receive the scholarship award.
5. All required documentation will be uploaded during the application completion process. All documents must be submitted via the online application. No paper documents will be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted! There are no changes to submitted applications.
6. Applicants are required to provide a school official’s contact information for Part 2 of the application. The school official must be able to provide the applicant’s class ranking, GPA, and official transcript. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that the school official listed can provide the required information by the stated guidelines. After submission, there are no changes to applications, including updating or changing information for the school official.

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES
It is the sole responsibility of each applicant and their parent/guardian to be aware of all dates and deadlines.

The Show will not accept or consider any incomplete or late applications. No exceptions will be made.
There are no changes to submitted applications.
December 15 – Application Available Online
February 2, 2026 – 7:59 PM Online Application Closes

Link to application below:

How to Apply – Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (rodeohouston.com)

2026 Texas Extension Education Association Scholarship

1. Postmarked on or before February 12, submit to the county AgriLife Extension office in a manila envelope:

• Envelope labeled with the applicant’s name and county.
• Only a black and white copy of Texas 4-H Recordbook from the previous year’s Texas 4-H Recordbook judging deadline of August 31 accepted.
• Official high school transcript with ACT and/or SAT scores included.
• Completed TEEA 4-H Scholarship Application.
• Two letters of recommendation: one from a county Extension agent or 4-H club manager and one from a teacher, employer, or community leader (not a relative).

2.  If the applicant wants these materials returned, include a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope and letter of request.

TEEA Scholarship Application

In addition to the TEEA requirements, Bell County Extension Education Association requests you to provide the following:

• Provide an extra official transcript
• Provide an essay that covers the following topics:
  • Why do you think you should be considered for a TEEA Scholarship?
  • How can you benefit from a TEEA Scholarship?
• Complete the table on the next page.

All the new items will be placed in the envelope like the other items for judging.

Bell County TEEA Scholarship Application

Postmarked on or before February 12, submit to the county AgriLife Extension office in a manila envelope.

2026 Bell County Area Go Texan Scholarship

1. All parts of this application must be filled out to receive this scholarship. Please do not change the format of this application.

2. Application and supplemental documents must be postmarked by MARCH 3rd and mailed to the Scholarship Chairman as indicated on this application. It is advised that the supplemental
paperwork be sent Return Receipt Requested as proof that their application was received.

3. Applicants must be graduating from a Bell County public school and must have been a member of a Bell County 4-H Club or FFA organization in Bell County for a minimum of two years.

4. The recipient of this scholarship may pursue any course of higher education or trade school.

5. All eligible applications will be judged by an appointed committee. Finalists must interview with the scholarship committee in early May. Date will be determined annually. This date will be
sent to applicants via email.

6. Scholarship winners must complete a Scholarship Recipient Form (mailed to winners). If the Scholarship Recipient form and proof of enrollment is not submitted by June 1st, the scholarship is
forfeited. Upon receipt of proof of enrollment and completed scholarship recipient form, scholarship funds will be deposited directly into the recipient’s account in the financial office
at the university/college where the student is enrolled. If the winner of any of these awards fails to enroll in school by August 15th, the scholarship is forfeited. Any unclaimed or forfeited funds
will be returned to the Bell County Area Go Texan Committee for future scholarships.

7. Please retain this page for future reference

8. Items to be mailed
a. Completed Application
b. Sealed transcript that includes class rank & GPA
c. 8×10 Photo (on photo paper) – to be used in all social media/events. Photo will be returned in August upon request.
d. Proof of acceptance to college, university, or trade school
e. Typed Financial Need narrative – not to exceed 1 page in length
f. Typed Personal Narrative – not to exceed 1 page in length
9. Mail all documents to the below: Mrs. Lochie Hosch
Bell County Area Go Texan Ambassador PO Box 419
Salado, TX 76571

2026 Bell County Area Go Texan Scholarship Application – 26 Bell County Area Go Texan Scholarship.docx (1)

2026 Bell County Area Go Texan Scholarship Application – 26 Bell County Area Go Texan Scholarship pdf fillable

2026 Bell County Youth Fair Scholarship

Applications are due TBD. For scholarship consideration, you must:

1. 1. Be a high school senior for 2025-2026
   2. Be a participant of the 2026 Bell County Youth Fair and Livestock Show, plus have participated in the fair a minimum of one other year.
   3. Be eligible to attend a two or four year college, university or technical school as a full time student (12 hours per semester) for the 2025-2026 school year.
   4. Complete a copy of the scholarship application form (available online at: http://agrilife.org/bellctyyouthfair) and submit it to the Bell County Extension Office, Attn: BCYF Scholarship Program, 1605 N. Main, Belton, TX 76513 by April 7, 2025 Any applications received after 5:00 p.m. April 7, 2025 will not be considered.

2026 BCYF Scholarship Application-Fillable PDF

Texas Farm Bureau Scholarship

2026 TAE4-HYDP Youth Scholarship

This is a NEW format this year so please pay attention to the submission guidelines and requirements.

Submission Guidelines & Requirements:

• Application due Wednesday, April 1, 2026
• District 8 4-H members who do NOT receive a 4-H Foundation or Terry Foundation scholarship are eligible to apply.
• Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee. All decisions are final.
• Applications must be complete in order to be accepted.
• This scholarship is available to 4-H members who plan to attend a college, university, or technical school in Texas or out-of-state.
• Please make sure to upload your official transcript & 2 letters of recommendation. (Letters of recommendation will need to be saved as one file.)

2026 D8 TAE4-HYDP Application (link to Google form) : https://forms.office.com/r/EjMybVRnt7

Guidelines: 2026 Scholarship Guidelines

Capital Farm Credit Scholarship

AgTrust Farm Credit will award ten graduating seniors from Texas and New Mexico a $2,500 scholarship. Each recipient’s home 4-H club or FFA chapter will receive $500.

Applicants must be graduating in the spring of 2026, a resident of Texas or New Mexico and submit their application by March 13, 2026.

AgTrust Farm Credit Scholarship Application

Ag Trust Farm Credit Scholarship

Lone Star Ag Credit will award 6 graduating seniors a $2,500 scholarship in 2023.  The FFA chapter or 4-H club of the 2023 scholarship winners will receive $500!

Applicants must be graduating in the spring of 2026, a resident of Texas or New Mexico and submit their application by March 13, 2026.

Apply here: https://agtrustaca.com/agtrust-farm-credit-scholarship…/

Heart O’ Texas Fair Livestock Show Scholarship

Altrusa International of Temple, TX
Scholarship application

Eligibility: Applicant must be a resident of Bell County or a dependent of a Temple Altrusa member, must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and must be planning to attend or is presently attending a college or university within the State of Texas.

https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000100997/en-ca/files/homepage/2023-scholarship-application/2023-word-application.pdf

Helpful Links for Graduating High School Students:

• www.fastweb.com
• www.schoolsoup.com
• www.collegefortexans.com
• www.zinch.com
• http://www.studentscholarships.org
• Texas 4-H Scholarship Website
•  http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/online-colleges/texas/
• “Student Savings: The Ultimate Scholarship Resource Guide”-http://www.shopsleuth.com/resources/scholarship-guide