Teen Opportunities

Shooting Sports Open House – Rescheduled for Sunday, Jan 18th at 1pm

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The new date for the 2026 Fairfield County Shooting Sports Open House is Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Fairfield County Ag Center (831 College Avenue, Lancaster, OH 43130)

Attendance Requirement

To participate in the 2026 Fairfield County Shooting Sports program, both the youth member and a parent or guardian must attend this event. During the Open House, families will take part in a required parent meeting, learning about the disciplines offered, complete registration forms, and pay club dues. If you are a returning 4-H member, please be sure to bring your 4-HOnline log in information, as we will also be completing 4-HOnline enrollment that day.

Important Notes for the 2026 Season

  1. Registration: All registration will take place during the Open House on Sunday, Jan 18, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Attendance by both the youth and parent or guardian is required.
  2. Archery Discipline: Archery will once again be the final discipline offered this year. Advisors will coordinate with members and the Extension Office for those interested in summer judging for archery.
  3. Participation Limits. Each discipline has a maximum number of participants. Registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis during the Open House.

Interested in Volunteering?

We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help make our program successful. To learn more and apply, please visit go.osu.edu/FCVolunteer to learn more!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office (740-653-5419).

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, Jan 18, 2026  at 1:00 p.m., at the Fairfield County Ag Center.

Scholarship Opportunity: Sunrise Cooperative – due 2/6/2026

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The Sunrise Cooperative $1,000 College Scholarships are one year in length and are open to all children and grandchildren of Sunrise Cooperative common stockholders, or all children and grandchildren of active full-time Sunrise Cooperative employees who are enrolling or are currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year accredited college program. The student must be enrolled for the entirety of the year to receive the scholarship.

The deadline to apply is February 6, 2026. 

Source: Sunrise Cooperative website. Click here for more info.

Scholarship Opportunity: Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation – deadlines of 2/28/2026 and 3/31/2026

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The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation annually awards scholarships to students planning to pursue careers in agriculture and to adults seeking continuing education in agriculture-related studies. To support the future of agriculture throughout Ohio, each county has a scholarship fund to allot to its local students. Other scholarships focus on specific issues such as women’s leadership in agriculture, livestock and crop sciences at the Agricultural Technical Institute, sheep production and management, and more.

Source: Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation website. Click here for more info.

Please note that the most scholarships are due March 31, 2026. However, the Ohio Farm Bureau Ambassadors Scholarship is due February 28, 2026.

Scholarship Opportunity: Ohio Ag Council – due 4/1/2026

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OAC annually offers scholarships to assist students in pursuing a career in an agricultural-related field. Scholarships are available to high school seniors preparing to enter college or any undergraduate student currently enrolled in college. Applicants or their parent or legal guardian must be a resident of Ohio. This scholarship is a one-time-only award and is not available to prior recipients.

Scholarships are selected based on academic record, leadership qualities, community involvement and responses to application essay questions. Scholarship recipients are also provided a one-year complimentary student membership in OAC.

Scholarship applications for the 2026-27 school year are NOW OPEN! See below for the application, instructions and frequently asked questions. Applications must be received no later than April 1, 2026, for consideration.

Click here for more info.

Source: Ohio Agricultural Council Website

Scholarship Opportunity: National FFA – due 1/15/2026

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Whether you are pursuing a trade school, vocational certificate or a two-year or four-year degree, don’t miss your chance to apply for a National FFA Scholarship to help with your next steps in education. If you are a senior FFA member in high school or FFA Alumni in college, just one application is required for multiple scholarship opportunities totaling nearly $2.5 million. Link to application: National FFA Organization apply by 1/15/2026.

Source: National FFA Website

Ohio 4-H Scholarship Applications Now Open!

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Ohio 4-H is proud to support excellence in leadership, citizenship, service, and project work through scholarships that help youth pursue higher education. The application window is open now, with a priority deadline of February 15, 2026. Current college students and high school seniors can apply through two pathways: those attending The Ohio State University should use Scholarship Universe at osu.scholarshipuniverse.com, while students attending other institutions can apply via this link. Details can be found on the Ohio 4-H Youth Development webpage.

First Edition: Ohio 4-H Teen News!

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Ready to learn about 4-H opportunities, service ideas, and project spotlights? Check out the latest issue of the Ohio 4-H Teen News! This month’s highlights include:

  • Project Spotlight: 4-H Around the Globe! Ever wonder what 4-H is like in other countries? This project encourages curiosity and respect for different cultures, traditions, and youth programs worldwide.
  • Community Service Ideas: Get inspired with easy ways your 4-H club can clean up local areas like parks, fairgrounds, or schools.
  • Scholarship Central: Learn about various statewide and county-level Ohio 4-H scholarships available to recognize your leadership and service. Many deadlines traditionally fall in mid-February, so check with your local Extension office now!
  • TLC Updates: See what the Ohio 4-H Teen Leadership Council is planning for the Ohio 4-H Conference and find out when applications for TLC positions will open (Summer 2026).

Read the full update!

Save the Date: Ohio 4-H Conference is March 21, 2026

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Mark your calendar for the 2026 Ohio 4-H Conference, held March 21, 2025, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, where 4-H volunteers and teens (ages 13 and up) from across the state will come together for a day of learning, connection, and inspiration. With a wide variety of educational sessions designed for all interests and experience levels, this event is a chance to grow, share ideas, and strengthen Ohio 4-H programs. Registration will open by the first week of January and must be completed through your county office—don’t miss this opportunity to help make the best better! Learn more at the Ohio 4-H Conference webpage.

 

 

Save the Date: Ohio 4-H State Leadership Camp will take place June 1-5

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Are you interested in growing as a leader alongside your peers? Consider attending Ohio 4-H State Leadership Camp (held June 1-5 at 4-H Camp Ohio)! This camp is a premiere leadership development opportunity that offers participants engaging sessions in topics such as motivation, communication, teamwork, and more! While at camp, participants are actively learning AND teaching their peers! This opportunity is open to Ohio 4-H members ages 14-18 – contact your county 4-H professional for more information on cost, scholarships, and registration or visit go.osu.edu/leadershipcamp for additional information. County commitment forms are due March 15, 2026 and must be submitted by county 4-H staff.

Fairfield County 4-H will selected our campers from those teens who complete the Ohio 4-H Achievement Form. Please indicate your level of interest on the Fairfield County Cover Sheet. Questions can be directed toward Leslie Cooksey.

Tractor Maintenance & Small Engines 4-H Club – 1st Meeting: Jan 5th

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The Tractor Maintenance & Small Engines 4-H Club is accepting new members! 4-H is a non-formal, educational youth development program for individuals aged 8 and in 3rd grade or 9 years old through age 18, as of January 1, 2026.

This 4-H club is unique in that they focus on one specific topic – Small Engines and Farm Tractors. Meetings are on Monday nights, January through March each year. Advisors teach members how to work on small engines and tractors while visiting different businesses and agriculture shops throughout the county. No experience is necessary – This is a great opportunity to learn something new!

The club is also using a new curriculum that focuses on tractor safety and how to properly perform tractor maintenance. The Tractor Maintenance courses are available to members who have completed the small engine project books or have had previous experience working on machinery.

The club meets every Monday in January through Mid-March. The first meeting will be Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:00p.m. at the Fairfield County Ag Center, 831 College Ave, Lancaster. Joining 4-H is relatively inexpensive – Members can participate in the Tractor Maintenance and Small Engine Club for $25! All interested members are welcome to attend this first meeting to learn more and get registered! For more information, contact the Fairfield County Extension Office at 740-653-5419