Nebraska 4-H recognizes and awards individuals and groups for outstanding achievements and contributions to their community, club, and their own personal development. Recognition and awards are available throughout all levels and programs of 4-H.
The opportunities listed below are general and not specific for any particular project or project area. However, additional awards and recognition are available for youth who wish to participate in competitive events, shows, and contests which may be related to specific 4-H projects or project areas.
Awards and recognition listed on this page are specifically for youth participants. However, additional volunteer awards and recognition are also available for adult volunteers, club leaders, and project leaders. Many counties offer additional awards and recognition for 4-H groups and individuals. Please contact your local Extension office for more information.
Awards & Recognition Resources
NEBRASKA 4-H AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Diamond Clover
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
The Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover program encourages 4-H members to engage in a variety of projects and activities that will help them acquire life skills necessary to lead successful lives as a competent, caring, and contributing citizen. The program consists of six levels that require a 4-H member to plan and report a broad range of age-appropriate accomplishments.
Nebraska 4-H Gives Back
INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP AWARD
The Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program is an opportunity for a Nebraska 4-H member or a team of 4-H’ers to make a meaningful contribution to their community. This award recognizes the impact that 4-H youth make in their communities and celebrates the spirit of service-learning, a pillar of the 4-H experience.
Programs of Excellence
GROUP AWARD
Nebraska 4-H Programs of Excellence is an award program designed to recognize 4-H groups, such as afterschool programs, school enrichment, or special programs, for providing high-quality educational experiences. Three levels are offered based upon the time spent instructional mode.
Clubs of Excellence
GROUP AWARD
The Nebraska 4-H Club of Excellence program is designed to recognize and celebrate 4-H Clubs for successfully encouraging and empowering members. Clubs must meet a certain set of criteria and document how this criterion was met. Clubs must apply annually.
Governor's Ag Excellence Award
GROUP AWARD
The purpose of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation’s Governor’s Agricultural Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) is to recognize 4-H clubs for the work of the individuals in the club and the community service work of the entire club.
Nebraska 4-H Foundation Recognition
National 4-H Congress
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
National 4-H Congress is an award program which provides recognition to 4-H youth for their outstanding performances and achievements in 4-H. Nebraska 4-H awards 15 delegates each year with partial scholarships, as well as additional alternates who may attend at their own expense. Delegates are selected using the Achievement Application.
Nebraska Delegate Application Information
National 4-H Conference
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
National 4-H Conference is the annual premiere national civic engagement opportunity for 4-H members across the country. Nebraska 4-H may send two delegates each year. Delegates are selected using the Achievement Application and interviews.
Nebraska Delegate Application Information
National 4-H Youth in Action Awards
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
The 4-H Youth in Action program recognizes four confident young leaders in the core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living, and STEM. Each pillar winner will experience an exciting year of telling their 4-H story and celebrating their leadership. Each winner also receives a $5,000 scholarship. One pillar winner will be selected as the 4-H Youth In Action National Award Winner and will receive an additional scholarship.
Summer Camp Scholarships
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
With the support of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation and its donors, Nebraska 4-H Camps & Centers offer a limited number of $100 camp scholarships to support the participation of young people in Nebraska 4-H summer camps. Summer Camp Scholarship applications must be submitted online and awarded before youth register for camp.
Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarships
INDIVIDUAL AWARD
The Nebraska 4-H Foundation offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for 4-H members each year. To apply for any of the scholarships offered this year, 4-H members must submit the Achievement Application by January 5.
4-H AWARDS & RECOGNITION DEADLINES
| Title | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Achievement Application deadline for:
| January 5 | Email to 4Hachieves@unl.edu |
| Governor's Ag Excellence Awards application deadline | April 1 | Email to lshearer2@unl.edu |
| National 4-H Youth in Action Award application deadline | April 1 | online |
| Clubs of Excellence application deadline | September 15 | Submit to local Extension Offices |