Star Ranking

Showcasing Hard Work

Junior, intermediate and senior members may all strive for star ranks. Each star level takes an average of two years to complete. Star rank achievers receive a tangible star, which is often attached to the 4-H hat.

EXTERNAL IMAGE

Bronze Star: Complete at least 5 of the 8 PDR categories.

Silver Star: Complete at least 6 of the 8 PDR categories.

Gold Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories.

Platinum Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories.

Many counties in California have an Emerald Star program, which is sponsored by the county 4-H office and/or the county 4-H leaders' council. The Emerald Star program is designed for intermediate and senior 4-H members.

How can I earn these star ranks?

To qualify for any of the achievement rank awards, 4-H members must attend 80 percent of both the local club and the project meetings held during the year.  To obtain any of the ranks, 4-H members must complete the asterisked (*) categories as a part of his/her total effort.  This excerpt from the Personal Development Report (PDR), part of the 4-H member record book, shows the numbers and categories necessary to earn each star ranking:

Categories of Participation

1. 4-H Projects Completed: This category records projects a 4-H member has completed.

    

2. 4-H Project Skill Activities
   This category records activities where 4-H members either exhibited their 4-H work or demonstrated their knowledge to an audience and/or judge.

    

3. 4-H Events Attended
   This category records 4-H events, other than 4-H club and project meetings, that the 4-H member attended during the year.

    

4. Leadership Development 
   This category records leadership activities undertaken by the 4-H member.

    

5. Citizenship & Community Service
   This category records citizenship and community service activities undertaken by the 4-H member.

    

6. Communication Skills 
   This category records communication activities undertaken by the 4-H member.

    

7. Honors and Recognition
   This category records the significant honors and recognition earned by the 4-H member.

    

8. Lifestyle Activities
   This category records lifestyle activities both in and outside of 4-H that the member participated in.

    

Bronze Level (5 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 2*
• Project Skill Activities: 4
• Events Attended: 12
• Leadership Development: 10
• Junior or Teen Leader: 0
• Citizenship & Community Service: 10
• Communication Skills: 12*
• 4-H Presentations: (4*)
• Honors and Recognition: 5
• Lifestyle Activities: 10

Silver Level (6 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 4*
• Project Skill Activities: 8
• Events Attended: 25
• Leadership Development: 20
• Junior or Teen Leader: 0
• Citizenship & Community Service: 20*
• Communication Skills: 24*
• 4-H Presentations: (7*)
• Honors and Recognition: 10
• Lifestyle Activities: 20

Gold Level (7 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 8*
• Project Skill Activities: 15
• Events Attended: 40
• Leadership Development: 30*
• Junior/Teen Leader: (2*)
• Citizenship & Community Service: 30*
• Communication Skills: 36*
• 4-H Presentations: (10*)
• Honors and Recognition: 15
• Lifestyle Activities: 30

Platinum Level (7 categories required)

• 4-H Projects Completed: 12*
• Project Skill Activities: 20
• Events Attended: 60
• Leadership Development: 40*
• Junior/Teen Leader: (4*)
• Citizenship & Community Service: 40*
• Communication Skills: 48*
• 4-H Presentations: (15*)
• Honors and Recognition: 20
• Lifestyle Activities: 40