2012 4-H State Recognition Day was held on Saturday, March 24 on the Iowa State University campus. Results will be tabulated in the next two weeks. Letters have been sent to ALL participants. Click here to view results.
We hosted 157 youth and their parents. 227 Interviews were conducted by 57 teams made up of an Extension staff, volunteer, and former 4‑H'er now in college. Participants interviewed for state 4‑H project awards, National 4‑H Congress, National 4‑H Conference, State 4‑H Council, and the Iowa 4‑H Youth Tech Team.
Youth and parents were also invited to participate in educational workshops offered by the ISU Gaffer’s Guild and Food Science Human Nutrition Department. In addition, lunch was provided by the College of Ag and Life Sciences Ambassadors. For questions about the state recognition application process, contact Brenda Allen at 515-294-1567 or bsallen@iastate.edu.
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Recognition in 4-H is an acknowledgment and affirmation of the personal growth in 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.
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.
Application material for all of the following opportunities must be received on site or postmarked no later than February 1, 2011 for consideration. Mail to: 4-H Recognition, Extension 4-H Youth Bldg-ISU, Ames IA 50011-3630 
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open PDF files.
Recognition Opportunities Available
Information/Application Materials for Opportunities
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.
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. Iowa sends 23 youth on this trip, which includes dynamic keynote speakers, community service in the Atlanta area, workshops on leadership, cultural issues, and team-building. Participants also get a chance to see the city of Atlanta.
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)
- Iowa Youth Technology Team
Youth who want to learn more about the use of technology in innovation and entrepreneurship can participate in this statewide team. Iowa youth technology team members enhance their technology skills while focusing on community growth and economic development. Projects are determined by th team and in recent years have included app development, game programming, and more. See for yourself what the tech team does at their web page.
Iowa Youth Technology Team Application (PDF or Word)
Tech Team Support Materials Eval. Form (PDF)
Tech Team 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 savings bond, 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.