Recognition for Excellence Program
4-H Members
Recognition for Achievement of Standards
An important goal of 4-H is to teach skills to youth that they can use throughout their lives. One way members can determine how well they have learned these skills is to use established standards of excellence as guidelines.
Project Standards
Members may elect to have their 4-H projects evaluated against individual project standards by a judge at a local or county 4-H show, fair, or other exhibit opportunity. Each project will be awarded a recognition ribbon. The ribbons signify the following levels of achievement:
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Rating
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Accomplishment
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Blue
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Project met standards
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Red
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Project needs some improvement
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White
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Project needs much improvement
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Evaluation for achievement of project standards measures members efforts against an objective standard only, not against each other. Conference judging allows 4-Hšers to hear the judgešs comments directly and to ask questions on how to improve. Premium money may also accompany the ribbon award at some 4-H exhibit opportunities.
Performance Standards
Members may also be recognized for achieving certain performance standards in the Illinois 4-H Program. These awards are presented at the end of the 4-H year to members achieving the standards appropriate for their age group.
Project Achievement Award - 8 to 11 years old
First year - Project Achievement Medal
Subsequent Years - Certificate
Standards for Project Achievement
- Establish plans for memberšs project and report on project to leader.
- Attend at least two-thirds of club meetings (or number determined by the club).
- Share project experiences by giving a talk or demonstration or making an exhibit.
Service Achievement Award - 12 to 14 years old
First Year - Service Achievement Medal
Subsequent Years - Certificate
Standards for Service Achievement
- Project Achievement Standards (See above.)
- Serve on club committee or hold a club office.
- Take part in a community service activity or in a community activity related to memberšs project.
- Assist leaders with a special club activity, tour, or program.
Leadership Achievement Award - 15 to 18 years old
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Age
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Award
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15
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Key Ring
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16
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Notebook
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17
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Plaque
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18
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Key Award
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Standards for Leadership Achievement
- Project Achievement Standards (See above.)
- Service Achievement Standards (See above.)
- Participate in one or more learning experiences at the county, regional, or state level.
- Provide leadership for a project, activity, or 4-H group.
- Help conduct programs at the local level or beyond.
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