With September 1 approaching quickly, members and volunteers have begun enrolling for the 2025-2026 4-H year. As the excitement for the new 4-H year grows, an important aspect of finding success in the new program year is planning. While there are many ways for families to do this, the Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence applications provide an easy and useful way to set goals and priorities for your 4-H year.
What are the Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence?
Professionals within the Florida 4-H Program developed the Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence award process. This process allows 4-H members and their families to set goals together for what they would like to accomplish each 4-H Year. Members can plan out their meeting dates, project presentations, activities they will attend, and many other standards ahead of time to ensure their completion.
The Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence Information Packet defines standards as:
“In 4-H educational programs, standards are used in two ways. First, standards are established by subject matter and youth development specialists to provide a base for young people to use as they plan and work toward their goals. Examples are exhibit criteria, scorecards, and judging sheets, etc. Second, professional staff and/or volunteers and young people work together to establish standards.”
Members who complete and turn in the Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence applications by the deadline receive recognition for meeting the required standards.
Is there one application for all age groups? Do all members complete the same standards?
No. The Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence are split by age group. There are separate applications for Cloverbud, Junior, Intermediate, and Senior 4-H members. The expectations and number of standards that must be met increase for each level of excellence.
- Cloverbud members are eligible only for Cloverbud recognition.
- Juniors are eligible for Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
- Intermediates and Seniors are eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Emerald.
What makes up the different levels? How are the levels notated on the application?
There are many different things that make up the applications. Things that differentiate the different levels include participation at the County, District, State, and National level programs and leadership, citizenship and community service project areas. The different levels of excellence (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Emerald) are cumulative. Each level is notated next to the standards by a letter in parentheses (example: Bronze=(B)). 4-H members must complete all required standards for each level to be eligible for the next.
Are there common things on each of the Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence applications?
Yes. There are some common things that will need to be done on all applications. These items include completing a Florida 4-H Standards of Excellence Project Report (each age group has their own), completing a project poster/presentation, and attending 2/3 of club meetings. As Intermediate or Seniors, members are expected to hold and officer or committee chair position to receive any level of excellence.
Where can I learn more?
Throughout the 4-H Year, there may be workshops for volunteers and members. There is also a short mini-series available to the public on YouTube.
The Information Packet and applications for each age group are located on the Florida State 4-H Website. If you have any questions about this process or the applications, reach out to your County’s 4-H Youth Development Agent.
Let’s help our members grow valuable life skills and receive recognition for the hard work they put into each 4-H Year!
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