URBANA, Ill. — Illinois 4-H member Molly McCalla of Madison County has been awarded a $2,500 Youth for the Quality Care of Animals scholarship in recognition of her commitment to animal care, leadership, and agricultural education.
McCalla was one of 12 students selected nationwide to receive a 2026 Youth for the Quality Care of Animals scholarship. More than 200 applicants from across the country participated in the competitive selection process.
The scholarship program supports youth pursuing higher education and careers in agriculture. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, industry involvement, and commitment to the agricultural industry.
McCalla plans to attend Murray State University and continue her involvement in agriculture and livestock production.
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals, commonly known as YQCA, is a national multi-species quality assurance program that helps youth develop knowledge and skills related to animal welfare, food safety, and industry best practices. Participants complete annual certification training focused on responsible animal care and livestock management.
"This scholarship program represents the heart of YQCA's mission, investing in young people who are passionate about agriculture, committed to responsible animal care, and dedicated to making a difference in the livestock industry," said Dinah Peebles, president of the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals executive board.
According to YQCA, each scholarship recipient completed annual YQCA certification throughout their livestock exhibition experiences and credited the program with helping shape their understanding of animal welfare, food safety, and industry responsibility.
The Youth for the Quality Care of Animals Scholarship was established in 2025. Over the past two years, the organization has awarded $59,500 in scholarship funds to 19 students nationwide.
Illinois 4-H helps young people build leadership, responsibility, and life skills through hands-on learning experiences, including animal science and livestock projects that prepare youth for future careers in agriculture and beyond.
"The future of agriculture depends on talented young people who are willing to learn, lead, and serve,” says Shelby Carlson, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development educator. “Opportunities like the YQCA scholarship not only recognize their hard work but also encourage the next generation of agricultural professionals to continue pursuing their goals."
About Illinois 4-H:
Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
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Writer: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.