State 4-H Recognition is the process in which senior 4-H members in grades 9-12 can apply to be selected for special statewide opportunities such as awards and trips. The purpose of this event is to provide an avenue for youth recognition and to provide young people with an opportunity to practice and grow leadership, communications, and college and career readiness skills through application and interview activities.
State 4-H Recognition Day Important Dates
- The interview event date is Saturday, March 28, 2020
- Applications open in 4HOnline November 15 annually
- Application deadline 11:59 PM February 1 annually
- Interview selection and schedule is announced the first week of March annually
- Awards announced in mid-April annually
Summary of Important Changes for 2019-2020
- National 4-H Congress will additionally be open to 9th grade applicants.
- The one change that youth and volunteers both requested in the feedback process was the opportunity for state project area award applicants to interview. Up to 72 project area award applicants will be awarded an interview opportunity based on their written applications.
- ALL applicants selected for an interview may choose to attend the interview day on campus or be interviewed by video teleconference. All applicants may attend as many interviews as they are awarded.
- Application forms are not necessary. Applicants may answer application questions in any document they can save and upload as a PDF.
State Project Area Awards
State project area awards are awarded to 4-H members who have demonstrated leadership, communication, and service through activities, events and self-directed learning in a specific project area. Recipients will be provided with a $100 prize (dependent on funding). Up to 50 project area awards will be presented to Iowa 4-H members in grades 9-12 at the time of application. Follow the event page link above for more information on the opportunity and how to apply (TBD).
National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Conference is a week-long trip to our nation's capital each Spring. Youth stay at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD with delegates from across the nation. This is a working event where youth will share their perspectives on issues relevant to youth with national leaders, including Congressional members. 5-6 delegates in grades 9-11 at the time of application will be selected, dependent on funding. Follow the event page link above for more information on the opportunity and how to apply.
National 4-H Congress
National 4-H Congress is held the day after the Thanksgiving holiday through the following Tuesday in Atlanta, GA. National 4-H Congress is comparable to "State 4-H Youth Conference," but on a national scale. The event includes dynamic keynote speakers, community service in the Atlanta area, workshops on leadership, cultural issues, and team building. 20 delegates in grades 9-11* at the time of application will be selected, dependent on funding. Follow the event page link above for more information on the opportunity and how to apply.
*application eligibility updated to grades 9-11 instead of 10-11 for 2020 Iowa delegation
State 4-H Council
The State 4-H Council is a group of young people who serve as ambassadors for the Iowa 4-H program. This group of high school students works directly with Iowa 4-H Youth Development staff to represent 4-H across the state. They speak to local 4-H groups, present ideas to staff, and work in committees to plan the Iowa 4-H Youth Conference and 4-H members for 4-H campaign. 40 delegates in grades 10-11 at the time of application will be selected. Follow the event page link above for more information on the opportunity and how to apply.
State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador
The 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program is designed to promote 4-H Shooting Sports. Youth selected to serve as Ambassadors will receive training to become advocates for the program at the county, regional, and state levels. Through the program, Ambassadors develop skills in leadership, public presentation, civic engagement, community service, public relations, and team building. Up to 2 awardees may also be selected to participate in National 4-H SESS Teen Institute. Up to 9 ambassadors in grades 9-11 at the time of application will be selected. Follow the event page link above for more information on the opportunity and how to apply.
Iowa 4-H Reporter Program
The Iowa 4-H Reporters program is an opportunity for youth who have an interest in media and the communications project area. Selected participants will get to work with professional media mentors from Iowa Public Television, WHO Radio, and the Iowa Newspaper Association and develop news media during two consecutive weekdays of the Iowa State Fair. Follow the program page link above for more information. Up to sixteen participants in grades 9-12 will be selected each year. Follow the event page link above for more information on the opportunity and how to apply.