Hi-Low Farm Orleans 4-H Scholarship 2027
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.
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.
Eligibility
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✓Orleans County residencyReside in Orleans County when you apply through VSAC. Your Unified Scholarship Application address history must match the county requirement in the booklet.
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✓Active 4-H involvementDemonstrate community involvement and service that includes active involvement in 4-H. Essay #1 should include concrete examples from your club, fair, or project work.
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✓Half-time enrollment minimumEnroll 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.
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✓Financial need on FAFSADemonstrate financial need through FAFSA because need weighs alongside your essay and recommendation letters in selection.
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✓Education and work ethicShow education and work ethic through school, jobs, or projects. Recommendation letters should speak to reliability, not just club participation.
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✓VSAC citizenship rulesMeet 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.
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
Document checklist
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✓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.
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✓FAFSA for the aid yearFile FAFSA for 2027-2028 after October 1, 2026 because financial need is required for this scholarship.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Follow VSAC essay #1 prompts and include examples of your active involvement in 4-H, not generic volunteer language.
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✓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.
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✓Recommendation letter #2 (community service)Provide a community-service recommendation from someone who knows your volunteer record outside your family.
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✓Current 4-H chapter nameList the name of your current 4-H chapter on the USA so reviewers can confirm ongoing club ties.
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✓MyVSAC accountRegister or update secureacctaccess.vsac.org with accurate enrollment plans and Orleans County residency.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
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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