Wisconsin 4-H Key Award Program
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).
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.
County Key Award
County Key Award Qualifications
- 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
How to Apply
Contact your county 4-H office to find out more about your county’s key award process and how to apply.
Application Deadline
Counties will set their own deadline dates for applications.
Wisconsin 4-H Top 10 Key Award
Key Award winners represent the best of the best in Wisconsin 4-H and we want to elevate this award to the next level. County Key Award winners will have the opportunity to apply for a state level Key Award competition.
From these applicants the state will choose the Top 10 Key Award recipients annually. The Top 10 winners will be highlighted via media/social media (including picture and bio) and will receive a special state award.
The State Top 10 Program is also sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation proudly supports agricultural and leadership programs such as 4-H.
Qualifications
Must have received a county Key Award in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
How to Apply
County winners can apply by submitting the following materials by August 3, 2026
- Apply here: https://26wi4hkeyaward.4honline.com
- Cover Letter and Resume addressing the applicant’s:
- Membership/Club Experience
- 4-H Projects
- 4-H Activities
- Leadership
- Personal development
- County 4-H /Community Involvement
- Photo (to use for media release)
- Short Bio (200 words max to be used for media release)
- Completed Essay Questions
Essay Questions
Applicants will complete both essay questions. If you wish, you can submit a video answering the essay questions instead of writing. Keep answers to one page or less per question. If you are submitting a video please keep answers to one minute or less.
- Share with us your favorite 4-H memory. Why will you never forget it?
- How has 4-H helped prepare you to be ready for work and life beyond graduation?
Winners will be selected and announced by November 1. Award presentation will occur at Fall Forum.
Application Deadline: August 3, 2026
Please reach out to pydadminteam@extension.wisc.edu with any questions.