UGA Extension Office

4-H Project Achievement

Discover yourself in 4-HProject Achievement allows 4-H’ers to research a topic, prepare a presentation on that topic, and then present their speech or demonstrate their abilities to perform in a competitive manner. This not only include a wide range of topics but also various performing arts areas and ability to demonstrate cooking skills. 

CPA- DPA for Grades 5-6:

  • Project Achievement (PA) in the classroom environment starts at 5th grade for Paulding County. During these classroom clubs the 4-H’ers are encouraged to participate in a demonstration and then in district Cloverleaf Project Achievement (CPA) in late winter. 
  • Classroom Presentation Guide for 5th grade students. 
  • County PA competition will be Saturday, January 27, 2024 Paulding County, GA (5th graders only) Registration deadline is December 15, 2023. 
  • District PA competition will be Saturday, March 23, 2024 Douglasville, GA (5th and 6th graders) Registration deadline is Friday, February 2, 2024 and lunch is paid for those who compete. (Transportation is not provided) 

DPA for Grades 7-12:

  • For 4-H'ers in the 7th through 12th grades, Junior and Senior Project Achievement competition expands with the creation of a portfolio. Portfolios are like a resume of the work 4-H’ers have completed in their project area.
  • Junior Project Achievement (grades7-8): Please contact the Paulding County Office for sign-up and DPA options, more information; DPA from Georgia 4-H 
  • Senior Project Achievement (grades 9-12):
    Please contact the Paulding County Office for  sign-up and DPA options, more information; DPA from Georgia 4-H
  • Transportation is provided by Paulding 4-H. Parents are welcome to come for the Saturday competiton only, no overnight stays on center. 

Dates to Remember (DPA for Grades 7-12):

  • Portfolio workshop: November 16, 2023 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at the Extension Office
  • Registration deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023
  • Draft Portfolio is due: Wednesday, December 13, 2023
  • Final Portfolio is due:  Friday, January 5, 2024   
  • 2024 DPA competition: Friday -Sunday, March 8-10, 2024 at Rock Eagle 4-H Center
    (entry, food and overnight will be paid for those who compete)

So what is in a Portfolio? Here is a brief overview of what to record, so think resume for a 4-H'er!

  • Research on your project area
  • Sharing information about your project area
  • Helping experiences
  • Leadership including Teen Leadership Activities (if TL class has been taken)
  • Other ways you have been involved in community service
  • Citizenship activities you have participated in
  • Photos of you being engaged in your project area
  • Other activities you have been involved in

When Senior 4-H’ers place first at DPA (based on portfolio and presentation), they are invited to State Congress where they can attempt “Mastery” in their project area. This is based on portfolio, demonstration and an interview. 

  • DPA is also a gateway to leadership and community service opportunities which can bring recognition in 4-H. In order to run for both Junior and Senior 4-H District Boards, a 4-H'er must participate in DPA as the elections are part of the weekend events. These positions help in getting experience in order to run for State Board while in high school. There is also recognition with various community service accomplishments at DPA which help support Georgia 4-H's Leadership in Action program. Georgia 4-H has a robust following in our state and there are many scholarship opportunities that are offered for various 4-H accomplishments!

Note: Many of the 4-H programs mentioned above have no or nominal cost associated with them for Paulding County 4-H'ers as they are part of the Georgia 4-H programs that are an integral part of county 4-H programs. So don't miss the opportunity to the Make the Better Best!