We celebrate the recipients of the 2023-2024 California 4-H Higher Education Scholarships.

You all are dedicated and passionate about pursuing academic or vocational education at a higher level. See the stupendous recipients below.

Dean Memorial Legacy Scholarship, $1,000

This scholarship is given to students pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor. Candidates are judged on how 4-H has influenced their future plans, their involvement with leadership and civic engagement experiences, and demonstrating a level of skill and knowledge in any project area. This scholarship fund is provided by Bob and Pat Dean, devoted 4-H supporters for nearly 40 years. Without children of their own, Bob and Pat considered the 4-H youth their children and use this scholarship to insure the future of their 4-H family.

Sudharsan Gopalakrishnan, Contra Costa County

Sudharsan graduated high school in 2023 and plans to study Computer Science at Harvey Mudd College. Sudharsan had a host of experiences in 4-H that cultivated his passion for engineering, robotics, and community service. In Sudharsan's own words, "through my extensive involvement in 4-H, I have not only honed my technical skills but also developed crucial leadership, teamwork, and project management abilities".

Rebekah McPeek, San Joaquin County

Rebekah graduated high school in 2023 and is studying animal science at Texas A&M University, Kingsville with the long-term goal of pursuing veterinary medicine. In Rebekah's words, "my 4-H experiences influenced me to want to become someone who advocates for the topics that I believe in and pursue a degree in the field of Agriculture. With [what] 4-H provided me, I am where I am today."

Clarissa Shane, San Joaquin County

Clarissa is currently pursuing her master's degree in Oral History at Columbia University. Clarissa attributes her interests in public speaking, activism, storytelling, and overall educational decisions to her experiences in the CA 4-H program. In Clarissa's own words, in 4-H, "I was able to identify my personal values such as respect and service as well as gain crucial communication skills through my involvement with other youth and adults in the local community."

Mabel W. Jacks Scholarship, $2,000

This scholarship is given to students pursuing any field of scholastic endeavor. The Mabel W. Jacks Endowment Fund is in memory of R.C. Jacks, an enthusiastic supporter of both 4-H and FFA.

Cody Dowdell, Stanislaus County

Cody is currently studying Electrical Engineering and Industrial Electronics at Modesto Junior College. Cody's passion for helping others through innovation and sustainability can be seen throughout his academic and 4-H careers. Not only has 4-H instilled confidence and courage in Cody, but it has "opened [his] eyes to many world needs and the out-of-the-box engineering careers that serve those needs".

Megna Nayar, Santa Clara County

Megan graduated high school in 2023 and is currently pursuing Economics at UC Santa Barbara. Throughout Megna's 4-H career, she developed skills in analytics, leadership, civic engagement, and particularly, equity literacy. These skills, and her toolbox of others, have equipped Megna with the "ability to make an impact in [her] field" and the passion to address "education, poverty, and more with an economic perspective".

Morgan Sweet, Madera County

Morgan graduated high school in 2023 and is studying Sports Business at Fresno State University. With a passion for sports, Morgan has been a leader since preschool. Morgan credits her leadership skills to her time in 4-H. In Morgan's words, "4-H has opened my eyes into many future possibilities" with a Business major. 

Camille Thomason, Napa County

Camille graduated high school in 2023 and is finishing her first year at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt as a Business Administration major. As a 4-H Camp enthusiastic and former CA 4-H State Ambassador, Camille has had many opportunities to develop communication, event planning, and media literacy skills through her 4-H experiences. In Camille's own words, "all of these skills will help me in college and in my career. I am glad I had a chance to learn...by doing with 4-H."  

Samarin Family Vocational Scholarship, $1,000

This scholarship is given to candidates who are enrolled or will be enrolled in a vocational/trade school or junior college vocational training program in the United States. Vocational education refers to organized educational programs that are directly related to the preparation of individuals for employment or for additional preparation for a career requiring education other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree.

Elisabeth Gage, Monterey County

Elisabeth is currently working towards her Journalism degree at Belmont University. Ever since Elisabeth was a little girl, she has loved to give speeches and perform, and her time in 4-H refined her public speaking skills. Now, thanks to the lifelong skills 4-H provided her, Elisabeth has "the confidence to speak in front of anyone or any size crowd".

We congratulate our 2023-2024 recipients.

Whether you are entering the higher education space for the first time or entering the masters degree program, you are a rock star! Keep up the good work and remember that your CA 4-H family is rooting for you!

Applications are open for 2025 Higher Education Scholarships

If you under the age of 25 years old and pursuing a higher education, consider applying for a California 4-H Higher Education Scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded in 2025. For more information about requirements and timelines, visit the 4-H Higher Education Scholarships page on the California 4-H Resource Center. 

Editor's Note:

At this time of year, Senior 4-H'ers are graduating out of high school and into their next step in life. As parents, we celebrate our children's accomplishments and are proud to share them widely! As our 4-H'ers graduate to their next adventure, we want to acknowledge all the parents, family members, and 4-H volunteers who have served as leaders and mentors to help our youth grow their skills for the future.

This post was written by Toni Dowdell. She is the mother of Eve Dowdell, our 4-H Communications Intern in the State Office. It was originally published in the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau News in October 2023 (p.22).

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4-H Member to 4-H Alumna to 4-H Intern

Eve with Hornet Cup and 1st Place awards

Aging out of 4-H is that sort of rite of passage at a time when young adult 4-H'ers are easing their way into full-on adulthood. These youth members continue in 4-H until they reach the age of nineteen and can no longer participate in 4-H as a youth member. While some move onto other paths, most go on to give back to 4-H in one way or another. Discovering a way to do both has become a delight for Eve Dowdell, a 2022 4-H alumna. She completed her 4-H youth career and is embarking on the road to 4-H adult volunteering and state internship.

Eve Dowdell was pinned “4-H Alumna” at the State Leadership Conference. During the ceremony, Eve was announced as a recipient of both the Golden Clover Award and the Diamond Clover, the highest achievement for which a 4-H member is recognized. As well, 4-H members, leaders, and representatives from all over California bid her farewell on her 2021-2022 term as State Ambassador. Eve is the first State Ambassador from Stanislaus County in five years; that's since Gabriella Germann, a Stanislaus County native, served on the 2016-2017 State Ambassador team.

Eve's notable 4-H skills and accomplishments enabled her to shine as State Ambassador. She and her team developed a campaign centered on encouraging youth to begin living their legacy now. While her team was responsible for implementing CA 4-H Youth Development Programs, creating educational workshops for County 4-H Ambassadors, and facilitating educational programs for other States' Ambassadors, Eve had the availability and specialized skillset to represent her team at Ag Day at the Capitol and on various State 4-H committees. She was invited to present informational sessions for the State 4-H staff towards advancing the CA 4-H social media platform. Using her talent for publicizing wacky Tiktok's to classy Instagram stories, Eve designed and shared content to boost the presence of the CA 4-H brand, the State Ambassador's platform, and CA 4-H Ag.

Eve's passion for 4-H, communication, and pink showed through in all of her social media promotions. With little effort, anyone could see how 4-H is an avenue to cultivate her sparks and share them with her community. She seized every opportunity to mention her favorite things and how they relate to her 4-H experience. Her videos supporting upcoming 4-H events or honoring heroes, National American Sign Language (ASL) Day, and National Pink Day were her way of connecting with her fellow members in her own unique way.

Among her role as State Ambassador, Eve has had many successes in 4-H that led to significant contributions during her 4-H years. Her service as County President of Hi 4-H (yes, the ones who make the delicious milkshakes at the county fair!), President of Shooting Stars 4-H (her home club of eleven years), and Staff/Counselor on the County Camp Committee are just a few of them. She served her third term on the State 4-H Advisory Committee and helped run the first State Camping Conference since the pandemic. Eve thrives on communicating with 4-H'ers across the state and supporting them in their endeavors. Whether through club work, county programs, or national opportunities, her caring and influencing attitude promotes a sense of belonging and gives 4-H members the prompting they need to believe they can achieve their goals, master skills, and positively impact their communities. She says seeing young 4-H'ers taking advantage of all that 4-H has to offer reminds her of her own early 4-H years, when her eyes dazzled at the sight of older 4-H'ers in the spotlight.

State Ambassador Eve at Ag Day at the Capitol with California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, also a 4-H Alumna!

Over the years, Eve has been an outstanding role model who has connected to and affected the lives of many. With great compassion, competency, and character, Eve has shown that she embodies the essence of a true leader. Her influence has mostly been recognized in her commitment to 4-H project leadership. Particularly, projects such as ASL, Dance, Communications, and Embroidery, where she embraced her sparks, are her favorite projects to lead. Through all her project roles, her magnetic personality inspires others, adults and youth members alike, to succeed in facing life's challenges with integrity, determination, and a smile. Eve continues to serve 4-H members as an officer advisor for Shooting Stars 4-H club, county co-advisor for the Stanislaus Hi 4-H Committee, and assistant to County Ambassador teams. Most recently, she started as a student intern in Marketing and Communications for the UC ANR State 4-H Youth Development Program. In Eve's effort to give back through her internship, she creates and maintains marketing communications that showcase the best of CA 4-H members, and continues to promote State 4-H programs.

As Eve is no stranger to achievement, she is making headlines at Modesto Junior College (MJC), where she pursues Communication Studies. Her contributions on campus have put her in the spotlight as ASL Club officer, President of Alpha Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi Eta, and member of the 2022-2023 Intercollegiate Speech & Debate Team. Her time on the Speech & Debate team has earned MJC the Hornet Cup, 1st Place Sweepstakes Award, and the Phi Ro Pi 2023 National Award. Eve began her competition year as Top Novice at the Golden Gate Opener, then took two 1st Placings at the Mustang and the Paul Winters Invitationals for her persuasive speech performance. In her speech, she advocated for the deaf community by calling for ADA accommodations in drive-throughs. She went on to claim 3rd Place at the Northern CA Forensics Association Championship and 1st Places in both Communication Analysis and Persuasive Speech at the Hornet Tournament. These accomplishments are a credit to all her years of learning by doing in 4-H. Eve says she pulls from her experience toolbox, having learned and taught the value of resiliency, civil discourse, motivating others for impactful change, and building connections. Eve is a tremendous source of encouragement and guidance, with a tenacity for working with individuals from various cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and mindsets. Eve adds

“Whether I am tutoring or facilitating a campus life event, I want to be an approachable light and friend to the students of MJC. I've been privileged with opportunities to employ self-management. Now I want to contribute my skills, insight, and perspective, and give back what I have been so generously given. As I develop my own passions and knowledge, I am only fulfilled knowing that I have also influenced another's growth and sparked their passions. Like 4-H, MJC has a powerful foundation, helping students grow in their field of study. I'm thankful to be a contributor to that growth.”

Eve's greatest passion remains in her faith. She regularly makes time to support youth mentorship and volunteers as a bible study leader and on the prayer team for her church, JC Fans.

Let's celebrate and thank Eve for sharing her time, gifts, and positive attitude for the benefit of our 4-H youth and our community.

The CA 4-H Golden Clover Awards recognize outstanding achievements of members, volunteers, program staff, and groups within the University of California 4-H Youth Development Program. This 4-H year, we awarded nine awards to youth, adults, and groups. Each winner demonstrated excellence in their corresponding category. Keep reading to learn about each award...

Robert Brownlee Science Award

The Robert Brownlee Science Award recognizes science inquiry and experiential learning in 4-H work to help youth increase knowledge, skills, and competencies, and to improve their attitudes about science. This includes increasing science awareness and use in 4-H projects by testing predictions and making sense of observations. The Robert Brownlee Science Award is sponsored by the Robert Brownlee Foundation. In honor of the visionary, Robert Brownlee (1942-1991), the Foundation was established in 1987 to provide financial awards for creating and maintaining innovative programs for youth.

Andrew L. from Yolo County, Robert Brownlee Golden Clover Award.

Andrew L., Yolo County

Andrew earned this award for his work starting an Astronomy Project at his 4-H club. After attending a local summer camp in 2022, Andrew learned about astronomy and developed the skills to lead a project. Andrew also designed and delivered a presentation about the different types of telescopes to his club, classmates, and county. From giving his presentation to leading the project, Andrew has been putting his skills to great use. Andrew has inspired curiosity and developed leadership skills. Andrew will be furthering his astronomy knowledge and leadership skills as a 4-H Camp Staff member this summer. 

Levi S from San Diego County - Brownlee Golden Clover awardee

Levi S., San Diego County

Levi received this award for his role as a Junior Leader for an Electricity & Electronics project at 56 Ranchers 4-H, Levi's home club. Using his experience with technology, Levi created and presented the MIT Scratch Online Programming for the project and guided the project members through it. Levi also developed a Pencil Vending Machine utilizing his electronics, programming, and mechatronics skills. Levi is on his way to Regional Presentation day with a presentation based on his project.

Member Mentoring

The Member Mentoring Golden Clover award is awarded to a member for changing the life of another youth in a positive manner. This award is only open to youth members. The Member Mentoring award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Myah D., Placer County - Member Mentoring 2024 Golden Clover Awardee.

Myah D., Placer County

As her 4-H club's president for four years and a Placer County Ambassador, Myah earned this award for her efforts to keep 4-H alive in her club, county, and beyond. Myah is always there to lift up her fellow 4-H'ers when they win ribbons at the county fair or participate in CA 4-H State Field Day. Regardless of the obstacles (like a pandemic) and with a friendly face, Myah never stops encouraging every youth she meets. She knows that as long as she can instill a spark for 4-H and community service, the members she supports will ultimately take her place as a mentor in the lives of future 4-H members.

Stephanie C. from Sonoma County, Member Mentoring Golden Clover awardee 2023

Stephanie C., Sonoma County

Stephanie earned this award for going above and beyond to contribute her time as a gentle and kind mentor to her fellow project members. In addition to serving as a club officer, Stephanie leads multiple market livestock projects as a teen leader, supporting her project members and guiding them through visiting buyers, writing letters, and more. Stephanie demonstrates hard work, determination, and motivation, and she is working to pass those qualities onto other 4-H members in her community.

Member of Excellence

This category is awarded to a youth member for their personal achievement and improvement. Setting and completing goals, excelling beyond expectations, overcoming hardships--these are all examples of outstanding contributions to the 4-H Youth Development Program that are considered for this award. The Member of Excellence award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Samantha R. from Ventura County - Member of Excellence 2023 Golden Clover awardee

Samantha R., Ventura County

Samantha earned this award for using her 4-H grown skills such as creativity, public speaking, intelligence, and leadership skills to take on roles and responsibilities on every level. From a Club Executive Board Member to a County Ambassador to a California representative for Citizenship Washington Focus, Samantha exemplifies a confident and patient 4-H'er who is committed to actively serving her community. Ever since Samantha was just nine years old, she carefully included other members and encouraged them to be active contributors to the success of their projects, activities, and responsibilities. Samantha has already made goals to return to the 4-H program when she ages out, highlighting her dedication to 4-H and its members.

Civic Engagement

This category recognizes a youth member, group, adult volunteer, and/or program staff for contributions that demonstrate living the definition of civic engagement: working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. The Civic Engagement award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Alameda County Rising Stars Team - Civic Engagement 2023 Golden Clover group awardee

Alameda County 4-H Rising Stars

This team of nine 11 to 14-year-old Alameda County 4-H'ers earned this award for their work leading a County Community Service and Civic Engagement Field Day that benefited their county 4-H program. In addition to securing community partners to host activities and presentations, the Rising Stars team increased participation and engagement by developing a Table Decorating contest for each participant. This contest showed attendees the many service opportunities available in their county. This team of young leaders not only hosted an event that was said to be "one of the best events in the past several years" by attendees, but this team inspired attendees to be active members in their community.

Collaboration & Outreach

This category may be awarded to a member, adult volunteer, and/or group for increased public awareness of the CA 4-H Program. Awardees have involved new youth and adults in 4-H, reached out to communities that have historically not benefited from 4-H, and created partnerships with other youth development organizations. The Collaboration & Outreach award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

JEDI Youth Task Force, state advisory committee- outreach and collab 2023-34 Golden Clover

J.E.D.I. Youth Task Force, Statewide committee

The J.E.D.I. Youth Task Force earned this award for creating and leading the Hope for Tomorrow Mental Health Awareness Event in September of 2023. Through this free event, this team not only raised awareness about mental health in underrepresented communities and provided free resources to attendees, but broke the silence surrounding mental health and offered support to those who needed it. The youth leaders recruited over forty resource vendors for the event and recruited members to join the 4-H Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Advisory Committee in the future. The youth's commitment to collaboration and outreach is evident and remarkable. 

Lifetime Achievement

This category is awarded to an adult volunteer who has dedicated a significant portion of their adult life to the 4-H Program. Those awarded are outstanding volunteers who demonstrate a significant positive impact for 4-H youth. The Lifetime Achievement award is sponsored by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.

Tiffany Salters from San Joaquin, Lifetime achievement 2024 Golden Clover awardee

Tiffany Salters, San Joaquin County 

A lover of 4-H and what it stands for, Tiffany earned this awarded for the unbelievable amount of work she has given to the 4-H program over the last decade. From community club leader of Valley View 4-H to leader of the Youth Task Force Team under the JEDI Advisory Committee, Tiffany strives to make 4-H accessible, safe, and fun for everyone. Tiffany brings passion, empathy, and respect to all she does, supporting the 4-H'ers in her community and beyond. 

Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Golden Clover Award

The Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Award recognizes outstanding achievement, leadership, and promotion of 4-H camping and outdoor adventures such as camping, fishing, hiking, climbing, GIS/GPS, among others. The Jack and Robert Clay Outdoor Adventure Award is sponsored by the Friends of Jack and Robert Clay. Following a tragic accident in 1987, this Memorial Award was established by the family and friends of Jack Clay and his son, Robert, who were enthusiastically involved in the 4-H camping and outdoor adventure projects as leader and junior leader in Alameda County.

Tammy Hill from Napa County - Outdoor Adventure Golden Clover 2023-24 awardee

Tammy Hill, Napa County

Tammy earned this award for her unwavering dedication to the 4-H camp community. Since 2002, Tammy has held the position of the Napa County 4-H Camp Advisor/Director. Providing 4-H teens with the opportunities to contribute their leadership skills, Tammy played a pivotal role in transforming Napa's camp program into a fun, safe, and inclusive learning environment for everyone. Even with the challenging times of the pandemic and the tragic loss of the Napa County campsite, Tammy strove to carry on the meaningful aspects and traditions that Napa County is known for. Tammy also has contributed a great deal to the CA 4-H Camping Advisory Committee, hosting data parties, camping conferences, and various other activities with other phenomenal youth and adults on the committee.   

CONGRATULATIONS again to all of our 2023-2024 winners!

We celebrate each of you for all you do to help young people reach their full potential and thrive.

These youth, groups, and adult awardees will be announced during the Closing Ceremonies at the 4-H State Leadership Conference this July.

Now accepting nominations for 2024

Help us recognize the excellent work that California 4-H members, volunteers, groups and staff have been accomplishing in 2024. You can apply and/or nominate a person or group for a Golden Clover Award. Please see the Golden Clover Awards page to learn about all the categories. Nominations are open until September 9, 2024.

The California 4-H Horse Classic Team traveled to Denver, CO in January to represent California 4-H at the National Western Roundup. The Horse Classic team included Pyper, Skyler, and Maya from Marin County 4-H, Merideth from San Diego County 4-H, and Lillie, Sarah, and Catherine from Riverside County 4-H. This talented team competed in the Hippology, Team Demonstration, and Individual Demonstration contests. We're thrilled to share that they placed as the Champion Team in Hippology and Team Demonstration!

Qualifying Educational Contests at Horse Classic

The educational contests at the California 4-H State Horse Classic are qualifiers for the Western National Roundup. Registration is opening soon for the contests and the horse riding competition of Horse Classic. For updates and information, please see the Equine Event site. Study materials are available on the Resource Center - Equine Science page.