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Star Ranking

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.

bronze star

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

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

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

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

 

emerald star

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 Number of Different Categories Required
Bronze
5 Required
Silver
6 Required
Gold
7 Required
Platinum
7 Required
1. 4-H Projects Completed 
This category records projects a 4-H member has completed.
2* 4* 8* 12*
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.
4 8 15 20
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.
12 25 40 60
4. Leadership Development 
This category records leadership activities undertaken by the 4-H member.
10 20 30* 40*
Junior or Teen Leader (0) (0) (2*) (4*)
5. Citizenship & Community Service
This category records citizenship and community service activities undertaken by the 4-H member.
10 20* 30* 40*
6. Communication Skills 
This category records communication activities undertaken by the 4-H member.
12* 24* 36* 48*
4-H Presentations (4*) (7*) (10*) (15*)
7. Honors and Recognition
This category records the significant honors and recognition earned by the 4-H member.
5 10 15 20
8. Lifestyle Activities
This category records lifestyle activities both in and outside of 4-H that the member participated in.
10 20 30 40