Exhibitors at the Berrien County Youth Fair are eligible for a unique category of scholarships.  There are several scholarships awarded to students who have been an exhibitor at the Fair and/or won a special award at the Fair.

Please see the list below for available scholarships

Michigan Association of Fairs and Exhibitions – M.A.F.E.

  • Each year six (6) scholarships of $1,000 may be awarded to high school seniors or students currently enrolled in an institution of advanced learning such as college, university or trade school.  Applications must be received by November 2.  Winners will be announced at the annual MAFE Convention in January.  Recipients are eligible to receive the scholarship not more than 2 years.  For additional details, visit https://mifairs.com/mafe-scholarship-2/.

BCYF Outstanding 20 Year Old Exhibitor

  • Each year up to three (3) scholarships may be awarded to 20 year old BCYF exhibitors.  Scholarships are awarded first through third place; first place is awarded a $1000 scholarship and trophy, second place is awarded a $800 scholarship and third place is awarded a $500 scholarship.  Winner will be selected on a point system based on exhibiting and participation in BCYF activities during the current year and past 5 years.  A 300 word or less essay describing what the exhibitor’s experience has meant to them must accompany application. Winners will be announced and presented awards at the BCYF Annual Association meeting in October.  Applications must be received by October 1 of the current year.  For additional details and application, visit either the Trophy Room or Fair office during the week of the Berrien County Youth Fair or online at www.bcyf.org or at the Fair office the other weeks of the year during regular office hours. 

BCYF King and Queen Scholarship

  • Each year two (2) scholarships may be awarded to the winners of the current year Berrien County Youth Fair Royalty Contest.  One (1) $1000 scholarship is awarded to the queen at the end of her reign and one (1) $1000 scholarship is awarded to the king at the end of his reign.  Royalty must complete their duties for the entire year in order to receive scholarship.  Scholarship is paid directly to an institution of advanced learning such as college, university or trade school.  For additional details, call the Berrien County Youth Fair office.

Russ Widdis Memorial Scholarship

  • Each year one (1) $500 scholarship may be awarded to a past and present BCYF Equine exhibitor aged 16 – 20 years old.  An essay must accompany application.  Applications must be received by Wednesday of the current year’s Fair to the Fair office.  Scholarship winner will be announced during the current year’s Fair.  For additional details, visit the Equine office during the Berrien County Youth Fair.

Carlin & Rockey Educational Scholarship

  • Each year one (1) $500 scholarship may be awarded to a current year BCYF exhibitor 16 years or older.  The scholarship is awarded to the Nancy Stover Memorial Trophy winner.  The exhibitor must have entries in at least five (5) of the ten (10) categories in the Home Economics building.  The winner is selected on a point system within the Home Ec. building.  An exhibitor may win this award only once.  Registrations for this award takes place on the current year’s Fair entry day.  For additional details, visit the Home Economics building during the Berrien County Youth Fair.

Patrick Freehling Memorial Scholarship

  • Each year up to two (2) $2,500 scholarships may be awarded to applicants majoring in an agricultural field or who will attend a vocational/trade school.  Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 20 and have earned a high school diploma or GED in the previous or current year and be a senior at any Berrien County high school.  Ideal candidates will demonstrate a financial need and display academic achievement, a commitment to serving others, a strong work ethic and leadership qualities.  Ideal candidates will also have been an exhibitor at the Berrien County Youth Fair for a minimum of five years.  Scholarship can be used for tuition, books, fees and other costs related to attending any U.S. college/university or trade school (except room and board).  For additional details, visit https://www.berriencommunity.org/scholar.