Nebraska 4-H

Awards & Recognition

4-H member holding medal

National 4-H Council

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.

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.  

Diamond Clover

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.

Nebraska 4-H Gives Back

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.

Programs of Excellence

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. 

Clubs of Excellence

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.

Youth in Action

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.

Summer Camp Scholarships

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. 

Annual Achievement Application

Nebraska 4-H Foundation Recognition

4-H Awards & Recognition Deadlines

TitleDateLocation

Achievement Application deadline for:

  • National 4-H Conference Delegate Applicants
  • National 4-H Congress Delegate Applicants
  • Nebraska 4-H Foundation Scholarship Applicants
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