The Elmer and Ona Hansen Memorial Scholarship is open to all Alberta rural farm youth and is designed to help rural farm youth who must leave home to pursue a post-secondary education or trade. 

Please note that a rural farm youth is defined as a youth who has lived on a farm in Alberta for the majority of their life, and the farm is the primary source of family income. This scholarship may or may not apply to the students at your school; however, we wanted to ensure the opportunity was communicated to as many eligible students as possible. If you know of students living in rural areas who plan to leave home and pursue post-secondary education, we hope you will pass this information along so that they do not miss out on this exceptional scholarship opportunity. 

The following scholarship amounts will be awarded in 2026:

One scholarship: $20,000 

One scholarship: $15,000

One scholarship: $10,000

 Seven (7) scholarships at $5,000 each 

Student Eligibility/How to apply:  Must be enrolled as a first-year student at an acknowledged post-secondary institution and not have previously started or completed a post-secondary program.Must be a young Alberta rural farm person.Applicants must provide confirmation that they have or are currently living on a family farm, as well as provide the farm’s legal land description.Must have graduated from high school, have received their high school diploma, and be no older than 25 years of age. A copy of their high school transcript must be included with the application form.Must need to leave home to pursue a post-secondary education or trade. Proof must be provided that the student is not living at home, i.e., through a rental or dorm receipt.A photo of the applicant must be submitted with the application. The photo must be suitable for publication – a grad picture is ideal. Photocopies or proofs are not suitable. Quality scanned photos are acceptable.4-H experience is NOT mandatory to qualify for this award. 

  The application for the Elmer and Ona Hansen Memorial Scholarship will open on Friday, May 1, 2026 until Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Noon with the application available on the 4-H Alberta website. To go directly to the application, please click here. 

For more info, you can reach us at scholarship@4HAB.com  or call 639-638-2231. Many thanks,4-H Alberta Scholarship Team