Jordan Olson is a recipient of the Baker 4-H Scholarship

Olson, who was awarded $1,263, is a sophomore majoring in animal science and minoring in agribusiness management with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. A member of 4-H in Mercer County for 12 years, she participated in a wide variety of livestock projects as well as cake decorating and sewing. Olson served as president of the 2024 Pennsylvania 4-H State Council. In this role, she provided leadership to the team to encourage participation and promote the work of Pennsylvania 4-H.

The annual scholarship was established to honor a father, Professor Allen L. Baker, and his son, Richard H. Baker, for their years of dedicated service to Penn State.

Professor Allen L. Baker served within the 4-H program for 38 years, including 37 years as the state 4-H club leader. Starting in 1946, Richard H. Baker worked for the University for 38 years, serving as assistant treasurer and director of financial management from 1976 to 1984.

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences awards the scholarship to current or former Pennsylvania 4-H members who have completed at least one semester and are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students at Penn State’s University Park campus or at a Commonwealth Campus.

Scholarship applicants highlight their 4-H projects, activities, citizenship, and leadership experience and describe how those experiences contributed to their personal growth through their 4-H career. Additionally, many describe how 4-H influenced their field of study or career choices.