What is the Key Award? How does it work?
This prestigious award is the highest recognition a 4-H member can receive and honors a select group of 4-H participants annually. The youth receiving this award are those who have demonstrated consistent growth in their 4-H involvement, developed and applied their leadership skills, and actively participated in their club and community.
Each county receives an annual award quota (2 per county or 2% of all enrolled 4-H members 14 years and older).
The selection of Key Award recipients is the responsibility of each county. Selection should be based on an evaluation of the candidate’s total 4-H record (membership, projects, activities, leadership, personal development, and county 4-H and community involvement.) If a leader’s child applies, please identify another leader who can complete the recommendation on the youth’s behalf. County award winners will receive a certificate and pin from the State 4-H Office. It is strongly recommended that counties include Key Award presentations as part of a county 4-H awards program or special event.
The Wisconsin 4-H Key Award is sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation proudly supports agricultural and leadership programs such as 4-H.
Qualifications
- Youth must be in 11th – 13th grade
- Youth must be a 4-H member for at least 3 years
- Selection is based on the evaluation of the member in the following areas:
- Membership / Club Experience
- Projects
- Activities
- Leadership
- Personal Development
- County 4-H and Community Involvement
Application Deadline
The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2025
- 1000-1500-word essay about what 4-H means to you.
- Cover letter and resume.
Submit your cover letter, resume, and essay to Bianca Mullen chesang@wisc.edu or Roxane Weisenbeck roxane.weisenbeck@wisc.edu
