Awards and Recognition

Celebrating Achievement. Fueling Growth. Becoming Beyond Ready.

In 4-H, recognition goes beyond trophies and certificates. We celebrate the sparks that inspire youth, the belonging they find in our community, and the growth they achieve through leadership, service, and learning. Our awards and educational trips honor the hard work and dedication of 4-H members, volunteers, and leaders—helping them become Beyond Ready for life.

Why Recognition Matters

The 4-H Thriving Model shows us that when youth are recognized for their achievements, they build confidence, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose. Recognition also opens the door to life-changing opportunities—like traveling, meeting new people, and gaining real-world experiences.

Scholarships

Louisiana 4-H offers a variety of state-level scholarships to graduating seniors who have excelled in leadership, service, and project work. These awards help make college and career training more accessible, recognizing the commitment and skills built through years in 4-H.

Highlights:

Open to active Louisiana 4-H members who meet eligibility requirements.
Based on a combination of leadership experience, project work, community service, and academic performance.
Award amounts and application deadlines vary by scholarship.
Many are sponsored by the Louisiana 4-H Foundation, commodity groups, and community partners.

Learn more about Louisiana 4-H Scholarships

Four people presenting a certificate to one person.

Senior Honor Cords

Who: Graduating 4-H members who meet enrollment and participation requirements.

What: The 4-H Honor Cord Award recognizes seniors who have demonstrated sustained commitment to 4-H through participation in state and parish programs. Recipients wear green and white cords at graduation as a symbol of achievement.

Requirements:

Currently enrolled 4-H member in good standing
Graduating senior
At least 3 years enrolled in 4-H during high school
Participation in at least one state-sponsored 4-H program in the past 3 years or exemplary parish-level involvement
Submit a completed application by the deadline

Why: This award highlights leadership, service, and skills gained in 4-H, marking graduates as Beyond Ready for their future endeavors.

Application: The new application can be found here: Louisiana 4-H Honor Cord Application

Contact your parish 4-H Extension Agent for deadline details. Sponsored by the Louisiana 4-H Foundation.

Educational Trips

Some awards come with the ultimate prize—travel experiences that combine learning, leadership, and fun. Educational trips allow youth to explore new places, meet peers from across Louisiana and beyond, and deepen their knowledge in areas they’re passionate about.

Livestock & Agriculture Educational Trips

Group of people standing on grass outdoors with trees in the background faces are blurred.

Two people in pen with goat while one holds the head of one and other examines a different goat.

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Beef & Sheep Educational Awards Trip

Recognition: Open to 4-H and FFA members aged 12–18 who participate in the beef or sheep project, with one eligible animal per club member per year. Selection is based on performances in Market Steers, Breeding Heifers, Market Lambs, and Breeding Ewes at the State Fair of Louisiana in Shreveport.
Experience: Travel in November to the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, KY—a major livestock event offering clinics, networking, and industry exposure.
Thriving Connection: Sparks curiosity in livestock careers, fosters belonging in an agri-community, and builds mastery through competition and industry immersion.

National 4-H Meat Judging Trip

Recognition: Given to members of the winning 4-H University Meat Judging Team.
Experience: In October, youth travel to Manhattan, KS for the American Royal Livestock Show. The trip includes official judging, educational tours, and an awards breakfast.
Thriving Connection: Sparks interest in meat science, develops evaluation skills, and fosters belonging in professional livestock competition.

National 4-H Dairy Conference

Recognition: Given to members of the winning 4-H University Meat Judging Team.
Experience:: Students travel to Madison, Wisconsin in the fall to learn about dairy science and the dairy industry, make career connections, further leadership development, and hands-on learning.
Thriving Connection: Discover sparks in agriculture, build strong relationships, and engage in hands-on learning with the latest technologies, empowering youth to thrive and give back to their rural communities

Goat Educational Trip

Recognition: Awarded to goat project members (ages 12–18) based on performance at the LSU State Livestock Show in Gonzales, LA.
Experience: Each July, participants travel to other states for educational tours—past trips have included destinations in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. Lodging, meals, and learning activities are provided.
Thriving Connection: Encourages engagement in hands-on agricultural learning, nurtures sparks in animal care, and builds confidence through travel.

National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference

Recognition: Awarded to members age 14+ who win the Poultry Judging Contest at 4-H University.
Experience: Offers hands-on learning in poultry and egg industries through workshops, networking, and leadership sessions.
Thriving Connection: Fuels sparks in agricultural science, strengthens decision-making skills, and connects youth with industry professionals.

National 4-H Livestock Judging Trip

Recognition: Given to members of the winning 4-H University Livestock Judging Team.
Experience: In November, youth travel to Louisville, Kentucky for the North American International Livestock Exposition. This trip includes official judging, educational tours, and an awards ceremony.
Thriving Connection: Strengthens livestock evaluation skills and fosters a sense of achievement and belonging through professional livestock competition.

Specialty & Skills Competitions

Five people holding a sign that says 1st place team with Memphis at the top.

Four people standing next to a sign that says keet fields.

Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO)

Recognition: Awarded to the state-winning “Next Healthy 4-H Seafood Star” team from 4-H University.
Experience: Held in New Orleans during the Louisiana Restaurant Association Expo, teams prepare seafood dishes on a national stage at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Thriving Connection: Inspires culinary creativity, encourages healthy living, and fosters teamwork and public performance skills.

National Daisy BB Gun Contest

Recognition: Top-three placing teams at the State 4-H BB Gun Match qualify.
Experience: A national shooting sports event featuring competition, ceremonies, team parades, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Thriving Connection: Builds focus, responsibility, and camaraderie in a supportive team setting.

Shooting Sports National Championship

Recognition: Selected from top state competitors in disciplines such as rifle, archery, and shotgun.
Experience: A multi-day national competition featuring individual and team events, with opportunities to learn from peers across the country.
Thriving Connection: Strengthens discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

Leadership & Cultural Learning

A 4-H youth kneeling down next to a post with a pink flag.

Five 4-H youth standing in front of a flag.

Louisiana Educational Trip

Recognition: Awarded through high achievement in 4-H University contests: ATV Safety, Fishing Sports, Horticulture ID & Evaluation, Insect Identification, Outdoor Skills, Sports Broadcasting, Tractor Operations, Zero Turn Mower.
Experience: A four-day, three-night trip in November for about 40 youth, rotating between destinations such as San Antonio, TX; Chattanooga, TN; and Washington D.C..
Thriving Connection: Sparks exploration, builds statewide peer connections, and broadens cultural understanding.

National 4-H Forestry Invitational

Recognition: Top-performing forestry team from 4-H University.
Experience: Late July competition at Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center in Weston, WV, featuring national-level forestry skills challenges.
Thriving Connection: Inspires environmental stewardship, teamwork, and hands-on skill mastery.

National 4-H FCS Championship

Recognition: Top-performing from 4-H University contests: Consumer Decision Making, Fashion-It's Sew You, Fashion-Ready to Wear, Fashion-Upcycled Recyled and Healthy Living Demonstration.
Experience: Late July competition at Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center in Weston, WV, featuring national-level forestry skills challenges.
Thriving Connection: Inspires environmental stewardship, teamwork, and hands-on skill mastery.

National 4-H Congress

Recognition: Earned through specific contest wins at 4-H University contests : 4-H Has Talent, Child Development, Career Prep, Consumer Foods Evaluation, ESports, Public Speaking- Any, Public Speaking-Cooperatives, Teens Driving Teens, Vet Set Geaux, Visual Arts or record book competitions.
Experience: Held Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta, GA, with 800+ delegates from across the nation participating in workshops, service projects, and tours of major attractions.
Thriving Connection: Develops leadership, civic engagement, and cultural awareness.

National 4-H Conference

Recognition: Earned through application and interview process. Select youth represent Louisiana in national discussions on youth issues with federal agencies. Learn more about the Louisiana National 4-H Conference Delegate process here.
Experience: Hosted in April, youth travel to Washington, D.C. trip with opportunities to meet legislators and present youth perspectives.
Thriving Connection: Builds civic responsibility and leadership.

National 4-H Ignite Summit

Recognition: Earned through specific contest wins at 4-H University contests : Civic Engagement Illustrated Talk and Demonstration, Healthy Living Talk, Personal Trainer, Photography, Promote 4-H Graphic Design, Robotics, STEM Illustrated Talk and Demonstration, or record book competitions.
Experience: Held Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta, GA, with 800+ delegates from across the nation participating in workshops, service projects, and tours of major attractions.
Thriving Connection: Develops leadership, civic engagement, and cultural awareness.

Equine Competition

A 4-H youth riding a horse while roping a calf.

Southern Regional 4-H Horse Championships

Recognition: Senior division winners at the LSU AgCenter 4-H/FFA Horse Show qualify for events such as demonstrations, public speaking, and judging.
Experience: Held late July–early August in Perry, GA, this event combines competition, learning, and networking with peers across the region.
Thriving Connection: Sparks passion for equine pursuits, strengthens technical expertise, and creates a strong sense of belonging in the horse community.