Recognition Opportunities

2013 4-H State Recognition Day will be held

Saturday, March 23 on the Iowa State University campus. 

Application materials for State 4-H Project Awards, National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, and State 4-H Council must be received on site or postmarked no later than February 1, 2013 for consideration.

Please mail applications to: 4-H Recognition, Extension 4-H Youth Bldg-ISU, Ames IA 50011-3630. For more information on recognition opportunities and awards, please contact the new 4-H Recognition Day coordinator, Cayla Taylor- cayla@iastate.edu, 515-294-1877.

The recognition opportunities we share on this page are primarily for high school students.  To apply, it's a similar process for each of the opportunities listed below.  You must fill out a cover sheet, answer five directed questions about the particular opportunity or honor, complete two pages of support material to enhance your application, and be prepared to travel to ISU in Ames to interview. 

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open PDF files.

Recognition Opportunities Available

Information/Application Materials

Each Application contains specific application information, cover sheet, interview time request, and support material information.

• National 4-H Conference 
  National 4-H Conference is a week-long trip to our nation's capital.  Youth stay at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD with delegates from across the nation.  The goal of the event is for youth to share their perspective on the 4-H program with national leaders, including Congressional members. (Participation contingent upon available funding in 2013-2014)
  National 4-H Conference Application (PDF or Word)
  Conference Support Materials Eval. Form (PDF)
  Conference Interview Eval. Form (PDF)
   

• National 4-H Congress
  This event is held over the Thanksgiving holiday each year in Atlanta, GA. The event includes dynamic keynote speakers, community service in the Atlanta area, workshops on leadership, cultural issues, and team-building. Delegates will also get a chance to tour the city of Atlanta. (Participation contingent upon available funding in 2013)
  National 4-H Congress Application (PDF or Word)
  Congress Support Materials Eval. Form (PDF)
  Congress Interview Eval. Form (PDF)

• State 4-H Council
  This group of high school students works directly with Iowa 4-H Youth Development staff to represent the program across the state.  They speak to local 4-H groups, represent 4-H'ers ideas to staff, and work in committees to plan the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference, 4-H'ers for 4-H campaign, and 4-H promotional ideas.   Meet this year's state 4-H council and learn more about their role here.
  State 4-H Council Application (PDF or Word)
  State CouncilSupport Materials Eval. Form (PDF)
  State Council Interview Eval. Form (PDF)
   

• State Project Awards
  4-H'ers who have focused on specific project areas during their 4-H experience can apply for recognition for their efforts through this program.  Awarded a $100 tentative award, 4-H'ers who have demonstrated mastery, leadership, communication, and service in their project will be recognized as the top in the state.
  State Project Award Application (PDF or Word)
  Project Support Materials Eval. Form (PDF)
  Project Interview Eval. Form (PDF)

• National 4-H Dairy Conference
  4-H'ers active in the dairy project can apply for this annual conference, held in Wisconsin.   

• Iowa Technology Team is not taking applications for 2013-2014

Recognition in 4-H is an acknowledgment and affirmation of the personal growth of an individual. It can be public or private. It can be within the individual or provided by others. Recognition in 4-H includes encouragement and support for learning and comes as a result of participation in educational experiences.

Recognition is one strategy to help youth become more capable and competent. It happens through recognizing and appreciating each person's effort and providing positive reinforcement to continue participating in learning activities.

Recognition in 4-H has several purposes:

• Recognition can be a motivator for some young people to excel and take risks.
• Recognition can foster self-appraisal skills, providing a strong foundation for each young person to engage in self-reflection and self-praise without the need for external rewards.
• Recognition can encourage and support the efforts of young people as they engage in individualized learning, peer competition or cooperation.
• Recognition, used in all its forms, can provide balance to the recognition young people receive as they move through our educational programs to increasingly difficult challenges.