Georgia 4-H Project Achievement empowers young people with skills for a lifetime. Students choose a project area of interest, research the topic, and write and present a presentation. 4-H’ers develop leadership, creativity, public speaking, record keeping, and other skills. As students become older, a record keeping component that promotes independent thinking, research and implementation is added. Cloverleaf and Junior 4-H’ers (4th – 8th graders), begin competition in their school or county and advance to the district level. Senior competitions (9th-12th grade) encourage youth to become more involved in their project areas and advance to the state and national levels.

4-H Project Achievement Timeline

Project Achievement is one of the signature leadership and communication programs in Georgia 4-H. Through Project Achievement, students explore a topic they enjoy, create a presentation about it, and develop skills in research, public speaking, leadership, and record keeping.

Below is the general timeline for Cloverleaf (4th–6th grade) and Junior/Senior (7th–12th grade) participants.

Cloverleaf Project Achievement (4th–6th Grade)

Cloverleaf Project Achievement introduces younger 4-H’ers to the Project Achievement process through a short presentation about a topic they enjoy.

October–November

Project Achievement Introduction
4-H agents visit classrooms and clubs to introduce Project Achievement and explain how students can participate.

December

Parent & 4-H’er Information Meeting
Students and parents attend a meeting to learn:

• What Project Achievement is

• How to choose a project topic

• How to create a presentation

• Tips and resources for success

Families leave with tools and guidance to help complete their project.

January

County Project Achievement (CPA)
Students present their projects at the county level in a supportive environment. This event helps students practice public speaking and share what they have learned.

February

District Project Achievement (DPA)
Students who advance from the county level represent Monroe County at the district competition.

Junior/Senior Project Achievement (7th–12th Grade)

Junior and Senior 4-H’ers participate in a more advanced version of Project Achievement that includes a portfolio and presentation.

What is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is a record of a 4-H member’s work and accomplishments throughout the year. It highlights:

• Leadership experiences

• Community service

• Project work

• Awards and achievements

• 4-H and community involvement

Portfolios help students reflect on their growth and demonstrate the skills they have developed through 4-H.

Year-Round Portfolio Development

January – December

Build Your Portfolio
Portfolios cover activities completed during the calendar year (January 1 – December 31).

Monthly – County Council Meetings

At the beginning of each County Council meeting, 4-H’ers have time set aside to update and add to their portfolios.

Portfolio & Presentation Preparation

November – December

Portfolio Workshops
Workshops help students finalize their portfolios for the year and prepare them for submission.

January

Portfolio Kickoff Workshop

• Introduces portfolios to new or upcoming 7th-grade 4-H’ers

• Helps current 7th–11th grade members begin their new yearly portfolio

January – February

Project Workshops
Students receive help preparing their project presentations for District Project Achievement.

February

Presentation Rehearsals
Students practice presenting their projects in front of local judges to receive feedback and improve before the district competition.

Competition Timeline

March

District Project Achievement (DPA)
Students compete at the district level with their portfolio and presentation.

July

State Congress – State Project Achievement
Senior 4-H’ers (9th–12th grade) who place 1st at District Project Achievement advance to the state competition held during Georgia 4-H State Congress in Atlanta.

Students who place 1st at State Congress earn the title of Master 4-H’er, the highest honor in Georgia 4-H.