Hi-Low Farm Orleans 4-H Scholarship 2027

Deadline February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern 146 days left · Hosted by Hi-Low Farm Memorial Fund (VSAC administered) · Published

The Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H Scholarship turns years of club work into college funding for northeast Vermont. VSAC may award one scholarship up to $1,000 when endowment earnings allow to a student who resides in Orleans County, was active in 4-H, and enrolls at least half time at an accredited Title IV college or training program. Enter scholarship ID HI-LOW-4H on the Unified Scholarship Application, file FAFSA, upload essay #1 with 4-H examples, two recommendation letters, and your current 4-H chapter name before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 study.

One typical award
Up to $1,000
Any Title IV program
Half-time+
VSAC USA deadline
Feb 11, 2027
4-H background
Orleans County

What is the Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H Scholarship?

Hi-Low Farm tied its name to Orleans County 4-H so club alumni could afford the next step after fairs and project books end. VSAC administers one scholarship up to $1,000 when the endowment allows, and the applicant pool is small compared with statewide funds. The recent booklet estimated only about eight files chasing a single award, so missing a recommendation or skipping 4-H details in essay #1 hurts more here than on mega-scholarships.

You still need the full VSAC stack: FAFSA, the Unified Scholarship Application, two recommendation letters, and your current chapter name. Recommendation letter #1 from a 4-H leader is optional in name only; reviewers expect someone who watched your projects grow. Recommendation letter #2 should cover broader community service so they see you outside the barn or workshop.

Enter ID HI-LOW-4H on the USA alongside any other Vermont funds you match. Half-time enrollment at a Title IV school covers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor''s programs, so returning adults and nontraditional students can qualify if Orleans County residency and 4-H history line up. Everything is due February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 aid.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 6
  • Orleans County residency
    Reside in Orleans County when you apply through VSAC. Your Unified Scholarship Application address history must match the county requirement in the booklet.
  • Active 4-H involvement
    Demonstrate community involvement and service that includes active involvement in 4-H. Essay #1 should include concrete examples from your club, fair, or project work.
  • Half-time enrollment minimum
    Enroll at least half time (typically six or more credits per term) at an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding such as Pell Grants or Direct Loans.
  • Financial need on FAFSA
    Demonstrate financial need through FAFSA because need weighs alongside your essay and recommendation letters in selection.
  • Education and work ethic
    Show education and work ethic through school, jobs, or projects. Recommendation letters should speak to reliability, not just club participation.
  • VSAC citizenship rules
    Meet standard VSAC assisted scholarship citizenship rules as a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen unless the booklet lists a different rule for HI-LOW-4H.
What you get

Benefits

  • Maximum amount One scholarship up to $1,000 when endowment yield allows
  • Typical competition Estimated 8 applicants for 1 award in recent booklet
  • Program flexibility Any postsecondary program at half time or more
  • Selection factors Essay #1, both recommendation letters, financial need
  • Renewal Not described as renewable
  • Guaranteed funding Endowment yield may limit awards some years
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 7
  • Unified Scholarship Application (USA)
    Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID HI-LOW-4H so reviewers route your file to the Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H fund.
  • FAFSA for the aid year
    File FAFSA for 2027-2028 after October 1, 2026 because financial need is required for this scholarship.
  • Essay #1 (general essay)
    Follow VSAC essay #1 prompts and include examples of your active involvement in 4-H, not generic volunteer language.
  • Recommendation letter #1 (non-relative)
    Submit one non-relative recommendation through MyVSAC. VSAC encourages applicants to ask a current or former 4-H leader when possible.
  • Recommendation letter #2 (community service)
    Provide a community-service recommendation from someone who knows your volunteer record outside your family.
  • Current 4-H chapter name
    List the name of your current 4-H chapter on the USA so reviewers can confirm ongoing club ties.
  • MyVSAC account
    Register or update secureacctaccess.vsac.org with accurate enrollment plans and Orleans County residency.
Step by step

How to apply

Verify your home county on the USA before you spend time on essays. Border towns between Orleans and neighboring counties should be checked with a school counselor or 4-H leader.
Ask a current or former 4-H leader early for recommendation letter #1. VSAC explicitly encourages that choice when someone knows your project record well.
Name fairs, livestock or STEM projects, leadership roles, and service hours. Reviewers compare your story against other northeast Vermont 4-H alumni.
Submit FAFSA for 2027-2028 and link results in MyVSAC before the February deadline.
Complete the Unified Scholarship Application at secureacctaccess.vsac.org and add other Vermont booklet funds you qualify for in the same submission.
Submit recommendation letter #2 focused on community service and enter your current 4-H chapter name before the portal closes.
VSAC requires the USA, FAFSA, essay, both recommendations, and chapter information by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February 11, 2027 for 2027-2028 awards.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
146 days left
Oct 1, 2026
FAFSA and VSAC Unified Scholarship Application open for 2027-2028 assisted scholarships.
Fall 2026
Orleans County 4-H members request leader and community-service recommendations.
Jan 2027
Confirm HI-LOW-4H is selected and essay #1 includes specific 4-H project examples.
Feb 11, 2027
Deadline for the USA, FAFSA, essay #1, both recommendation letters, and 4-H chapter name.
Spring 2027
VSAC reviews an estimated 8 applicants for one Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H award.
Fall 2027
Recipient receives MyVSAC notification and VSAC disburses to the Title IV school.
Questions

FAQ

Who qualifies for the Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H Scholarship?

Students who reside in Orleans County, were active in 4-H, enroll at least half time at a Title IV eligible school, and demonstrate financial need may apply. Community service and work ethic also matter in selection.

How much is the Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H Scholarship?

VSAC lists one scholarship up to $1,000 in typical cycles when endowment earnings allow. The recent booklet estimated about eight applicants competing for one award.

What VSAC ID do I use for the Hi-Low Farm Orleans 4-H Scholarship?

Enter HI-LOW-4H on the Unified Scholarship Application. The ID appears above the Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H description in the VSAC Scholarships and Forgivable Loans booklet.

Does the Hi-Low Farm Orleans 4-H Scholarship require two recommendation letters?

Yes. VSAC requires recommendation letter #1 from a non-relative (a 4-H leader is encouraged) and recommendation letter #2 focused on community service.

What should I write in essay #1 for the Hi-Low Farm Orleans 4-H Scholarship?

Use VSAC essay #1 prompts and include examples of your active involvement in 4-H. Specific projects, leadership roles, and fair work read stronger than vague volunteer claims.

When is the Hi-Low Farm Orleans County 4-H Scholarship deadline?

Submit the Unified Scholarship Application and required documents by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 funding, matching the standard VSAC-assisted deadline.

Can I use the Hi-Low Farm award at an out-of-state college?

Yes, if you enroll at least half time at an accredited Title IV eligible institution. Orleans County residency at application time is the geographic tie, not where you attend school.

Do I need to list my 4-H chapter on the application?

Yes. VSAC requires the name of your current 4-H chapter on the Unified Scholarship Application alongside essay #1 and your recommendation letters.

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