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.


The Key Award is sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Rural Mutual Insurance Company.  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.

A message from Amber and Melinda Pollen and Amber Rehberg speaking about the Wisconsin 4-H Key Award

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

How to: Self-Nomination or Nomination of Others

Self-Nomination:  Does this relate to you?   Fill out the Key Leadership Award Nomination Form and tell us about yourself. Nomination of Others:  Do you know of someone that deserved this honor? Fill out the Key Leadership Award Nomination Form , and we will reach out to them.  You can share your name or remain anonymous.

Key Award Application:

Wisconsin Key Award Application

Application Deadline

Nominations Due May 1^st, Applications Due June 1^st