Ladder of Achievement

1. Present a visual presentation related to a project at a club meeting. – communicating
2. Help with a club 4-H activity or event – working with groups
3. Attend at least one 4-H county activity or event – working with groups
4. Host a meeting or provide refreshments or lead a game or give a report - working with groups

1. Present a visual presentation related to a project at a club meeting. – communicating
2. Attend at least two county 4-H activities or workshops – getting along with others
3. Help with a club or community service learning project – understanding self
4. Host a meeting or provide refreshments or lead a game or give a report - working with groups
5. Attend a day or resident camp, conference or overnight experience and report back to your 4-H club meeting- learning to learn
6. Complete at least one 4-H project from a new project area. A new project area is one in which the 4-Her has not completed a project, not a different project in the same project area. An example would be a livestock area one year and the new project area in the same year is photography. – managing

Complete at least four of the following tasks:

1. Help with a club or community service-learning project – understanding self
2. Help with a club or community fundraiser – making decisions
3. Participate in a 4-H Communications event - communicating
4. Attend at least two county 4-H activities – getting along with others
5. Attend a resident camp or overnight experience representing 4-H and report back to your 4-H club meeting – learning to learn
6. Attend at least one regional or state 4-H event – getting along with others
7. Serve as club officer or committee chair – working with groups
8. Complete at least one 4-H project from a new project area. A new project area is one in which the 4-Her has not completed a project, not a different project in the same project area. An example would be a livestock area one year and the new project area in the same year is photography. – managing

Level Four – Silver Clover
Complete at least five of the following tasks:

1. Serve as a club officer or committee chair – working with groups
2. Provide leadership for a club or community service-learning project – understanding self
3. Provide leadership for a club or community fundraiser – making decisions
4. Participate in a 4-H Communications event - communicating
5. Attend at least three county 4-H activities – getting along with others
6. Attend at least one regional or state 4-H event – getting along with others
7. Help a younger member with their project, demonstration or learning the pledge – learning to learn
8.  Attend a resident camp or overnight experience representing 4-H and report back to your 4-H club meeting – learning to learn
9. Complete at least one 4-H project from a new project area. A new project area is one in which the 4-Her has not completed a project, not a different project in the same project area. An example would be a livestock area one year and the new project area in the same year is photography. – managing

Level Five – Gold Clover
Complete at least seven of the following tasks:

1. Serve as a club officer, committee chair or teen leader – working with groups
2. Provide leadership for a club or community service-learning project – understanding self
3. Provide leadership for a club or community fundraiser – making decisions
4. Provide leadership for a club or county 4-H activity or event – getting along with others
5. Participate in a 4-H County Communications event or media event
6. Attend at least one state 4-H event –getting along with others
7. Participate in a national or international event representing 4-H – working with groups
8. Help a younger member with a project exhibit or demonstration - managing
9. Attend a resident 4-H county, regional or state camp representing 4-H and report back to your 4-H club meeting – learning to learn
10. Participate in an Interstate Exchange – working with groups
11. Complete at least one 4-H project from a new project area. A new project area is one in which the 4-Her has not completed a project, not a different project in the same project area. An example would be a livestock area one year and the new project area in the same year is photography.

Level Six – Diamond Clover
Complete at least eight of the tasks in Level Five and conduct a major service-learning project. This task requires the 4-Her to complete a project that benefits his/her community. The 4-H'er will submit a detailed plan that includes: Description of the project, justification for the project, who will be recruited to help, a budget and how funds will be obtained, a projected time line and any necessary approval letters from landowners, city/local 4-H unit government, province, etc. The 4-H Advisory Committee and a 4-H Educator must approve the plan before any work is started. When the work is completed the 4-Her must submit a detailed report outlining what was accomplished with documentation (photographs, etc.) If the report is approved, the 4-H Advisory Committee will forward it to the State 4-H Leader (or designee) for final approval. This project should be completed over a two year time frame, first year to do the planning, second year conduct the service learning project.
Notes:

1. The Achievement Ladder Award Program will be the primary recognition for 4-H members. Sponsors and grants will be sought for funding for the award program. A special award for Diamond Clover winners will be developed.
2.  The Achievement Ladder Award Program is designed for a young person to begin at Level One and advance through six levels, one per year, acquiring valuable skills as he/she advances. The Diamond Clover may take two years to achieve. Youth who are older when joining 4-H, may begin at a higher level (two through four) as is mutually agreeable to the participant and the club leader. The county 4-H educator must also be in agreement for a youth to start at levels five or six.
3. Youth meeting the requirements of any level will be recognized at the annual county 4-H achievement event. Diamond Clover award achievers may be recognized at an appropriate regional or state event.
4. The Achievement Ladder Award Program recognition is not automatic. A youth must apply for the Achievement Ladder Award Program recognition using the appropriate plan/report form in a timely manner.
5. Forms will be available through county extension offices, and county web sites. Counties may accept entries via hard copy and/or electronically.

Revised June, 2006 JEL/bls