Dean’s Awards – Rules & Objectives

Project Areas

• Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
• Civic Engagement
• Communications and the Arts
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Leadership
• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Objectives

1) Encourage participation in areas fundamental to the mission of 4-H and the University Colleges.
2) Recognize youth who have excelled at a broad spectrum of activities over a sustained period of time.
3) Improve the participant’s resume preparation and interview skills.
4) Recognize youth for achievement in agricultural, environmental, family sciences, civic engagement, leadership, and STEM.
5) Provide an opportunity for youth who have already won state in project achievement to continue their 4-H competition.
6) Provide positive learning experiences and awards for older 4-H youth.
7) Develop leadership, communication, character, and good citizenship values.
8) Develop an appreciation and understanding of agriculture, the environment, family sciences, and leadership.

Eligibility

• Grade: Participant must be an active 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grader during the current year.
• Exclusions: No previous Dean’s Award winner is eligible to compete, even if in a different project area. Previous state winners in other 4-H projects/events are eligible.
• Each county may submit as many applicants and entries in the Dean’s Awards projects competition as they wish.
• Entries: Counties may submit as many applicants as they wish. 4-H’ers may enter only one project area per year.

Portfolio Specifications

• Scope: The portfolio must be cumulative, covering your entire 4-H career.
• Format: Single PDF upload; 8.5 x 11-inch white paper.
• Medium: Handwritten or typed in black ink. Color ink is not permitted.
•  Technical: Minimum 10-point font. Minimum 0.5-inch margins on all four sides for the cover letter and accomplishment pages.
•  Layout: Information on one side only; the back side of all pages must be blank.
•  Integrity: 4-H’ers must complete their own work. Only use approved assistance; properly cite sources to maintain academic integrity.

Portfolio Content & Order

1) Cover Sheet: Official Dean’s Award cover sheet; printed, signed, and included as the first page.
2) Cover Letter (1 Page): Addressed to “Dear Project Judge” and signed. May address any information, time, or future goals. No artwork, pictures, or clip art.
3) Accomplishments (2 Pages): A presentation of the 4-H’er’s cumulative work over their entire 4-H career. Computer-generated bullets are allowed. No artwork or photos
4) Supporting Material (2 Pages): Placed on one side of the page only. No shingling (all items must be adhered directly to the page).
5) Reference Letters (2): Letters should be affirmations of the 4-H’er’s cumulative project work.

Interview & Selection

• Finalists: Only five finalists per category will be invited for an interview.
• Tie-Breaking: Rankings determined first by Project Work, then by Sharing and Helping, and finally by the Description of Experience.
• Interview Judges: Finalists interview with experts, scientists, and educators during State 4-H Council.
• Interview Format (10 minutes total):
– 3–5 Minutes: Verbal presentation/discussion of accomplishments (Seated, no visuals allowed).
– 5–7 Minutes: Question and answer session with the judges.
•Attire: Professional attire is required.

Awards and Recognition

• First Place Winners: * Master 4-H’er Status.
– A $500 scholarship
– Recognition on 4-H Day at the Capitol
• Medallions: First, second, and third place in each area receive a commemorative medallion