Michigan 4-H State Awards 2026

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program provides 4-H members a learning experience where they can develop career skills by using their 4-H experiences to compile a portfolio similar to a professional application while receiving recognition for their 4-H involvement. The application process will help youth build their skills in communication, literacy, record keeping, and marketable skills. The application will require youth to reflect on their past 4-H experiences and provide thoughtful responses. 4-H State Awards recognize youth for their engagement and learning in the 4-H program, focusing on the skills they have gained; not necessarily the past achievements and awards received. Once completed, a 4-H State Awards portfolio may be a useful tool that can be referenced when completing future job, college, or scholarship applications. 

This awards program recognizes 4-H youth for engaging in rich learning experiences that result in outstanding knowledge and life-skill development that prepare them to be Beyond Ready. After participating in the 4-H State Awards Program youth will:

• Learn to better communicate and represent their accomplishments on professional applications, such as scholarships, college-entrance applications, résumés and cover letters for employment.
• Have more experience and be better able to communicate during job interviews.
• Build long-lasting friendships and establish connections with industry and academic leaders.
• Be encouraged to set new goals, continue building skills and assets, and broaden interests.

The application process for individual and group award applications will be open March 1-April 1.  Find complete information about the Michigan 4-H State Awards Program including applications and instructions to begin preparing your application now at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4_h_scholarships_and_recognition_program/4-h-awards-and-recognition-program/youth-recognition. 

Before beginning the individual or group application registration, please be certain that all completed files are stored in the correct format on the computer/device you are using to register and files are available to be uploaded as attachments to your registration.  The registration system does not allow you come back later to upload missing documents/files.