According to Edward Jones Investment Survey 83 percent of American high school graduates say they can’t afford a college education. The publication The College Board Reports says that a moderate college budget for an in-state public college for one academic year averaged $25,290 per year while a private college averaged $50,900. These statistics are making it harder for Hart County 4-H youth to go to college or vocational school and pursue their dream of a postsecondary education. 

The Hart County 4-H Council wanted to address this issue by helping 4-H members that have been very involved in the 4-H program to be able to go to college or vocational school by establishing 4-H scholarships to lower the cost of higher education. The council worked hard throughout the year to offer fundraising opportunities and collect donations to help fund the 4-H scholarships for outstanding 4-H participation. 

In May of 2018, $9,950 in 4-H scholarships were presented to 4-H members in Hart County High School. These scholarships were made possible due to the dedication and hard work of Hart 4-H volunteers. One 4-H member wrote “4-H has impacted my life in so many ways over the last 10 years. My 4-H scholarship money will help me to make my dream of going to college possible.”