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
State Project Awards
4-H members who have focused on specific project areas during their 4-H experience can apply for recognition for their efforts through this program. Awarded to 4-H members who have demonstrated mastery, leadership, communication, and service through activities, events and self-directed learning in a specific project area. For a list of project areas, you can visit our projects page. Recipients will be provided with a $100 prize (dependent on funding), made possible by an Iowa 4-H Foundation donor. Each applicant may apply for two project area awards, but may only be awarded one per year, each area awarded to each applicant only once.
Up to 50 project area awards will be presented to Iowa 4-H members in grades 9-12. One application and a one-page resume are required to apply. No interview is required for this award.
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 the 4-H program with national leaders, including Congressional members. Follow the event page link above for more information.
5-6 delegates in grades 9-11 at the time of application will be selected, dependent on funding. An online application and one-page resume are required to apply. Selected applicants will participate in a panel interview. Prepare for your interview using the Conference Interview Evaluation Form.
National 4-H Congress
National 4-H Congress is held starting the day after the Thanksgiving holiday through the following Tuesday in Atlanta, GA. National 4-H Congress is comparable to a "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. Delegates will also get a chance to tour the city of Atlanta. Follow the event page link above for more information.
20 delegates in grades 10-11 at the time of application will be selected, dependent on funding. An online application and one-page resume are required to apply. Selected applicants will participate in a panel interview. Prepare for your interview using the Congress Interview Evaluation Form.
State 4-H Council
The State 4-H Council is a group of young people from around Iowa 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 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 members for 4-H campaign, and 4-H promotional ideas. Follow the program page link above for more information.
40 delegates in grades 10-11 at the time of application will be selected. An online application and one-page resume are required to apply. Selected applicants will participate in a panel interview. Prepare for your interview using the State Council Interview Evaluation Form.
State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador
The 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program is designed to promote 4-H and specifically 4-H Shooting Sports. Youth selected to serve as Ambassadors, from June of the current year to June of the upcoming year, will receive training to become advocates for the program at the county, regional, and state levels. Through the program, Ambassadors develop their skills in leadership, public presentation, citizenship, community service, public relations, and team building. Follow the program page link above for more information. Up to 2 members may be selected to participate in National 4-H SESS Teen Institute. Follow the program page link above for more information.
Up to 9 ambassadors in grades 9-11 at the time of application will be selected. An online application and one-page resume are required to apply. Selected applicants will participate in a panel interview. Prepare for your interview using the Shooting Sports Ambassador Interview Evaluation Form.
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. Participants will also attend a workshop in mid-July. Follow the program page link above for more information.
Up to sixteen participants in grades 9-12 will be selected each year. One application and a one-page resume are required to apply.