Each year, the Foundation awards more than $100,000 in scholarships to 4-H members and alumni across the state. These awards recognize more than just good grades—they honor leadership, service, responsibility, and the real-world skills learned through years of 4-H projects, fairs, and community involvement. Hoosier Ag Today was proud to sponsor the Indiana 4-H Foundation’s Communication accomplishment scholarship. This year’s recipient was Chloe Riddle of Johnson County!

“This is my ninth year in 4-H. When I graduate I’ll be a 10 year member which is really exciting. I think 4-H is a really great opportunity for people to be able to build community. I personally have enjoyed participating in my club and junior leaders and this year, my county, one of the county ambassadors. So it’s a there’s a lot of opportunities to be involved in 4-H. And I think it’s really fantastic. You learn a lot of life skills like communication, time management and leadership skills. And it’s a really fantastic opportunity to grow yourself and your community,” said Riddle.

Students can apply for a wide range of scholarships, from general academic awards to specialized funds focused on agriculture, leadership, and career development. Many of these scholarships are made possible by individual donors, county 4-H endowments, and long-time supporters who believe deeply in the impact of youth programs.

For Riddle, “I think I want to go into Purdue University to get a degree in vet nursing. So that’s a really exciting opportunity.”

Indiana 4-H leaders say the goal is simple: make higher education more accessible, and reward the kind of character and dedication that 4-H instills. Last year alone, more than 70 Hoosier students received scholarships—some helping first-generation college students, others supporting young people pursuing technical degrees or careers in the ag industry.

“There are probably a ton of people who are applying for this scholarship. And me, out of all those people, because there’s only, I think, two people who got the communication scholarship and I was one of them. So I felt very honored and very special and grateful that 4-H gave me that opportunity,” Riddle added.

For many young Hoosiers, these scholarships don’t just lighten the financial load—they help propel the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community builders.