Star Ranks: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
What are the 4-H star ranks?
The star award ranking system is a voluntary advancement program utilizing the Personal Development Report (PDR) form (part of the 4-H record book) as a goal setting tool, aimed at encouraging broad-based participation and achievement in the 4-H Program. 4-H members record their participation in eight categories for the current 4-H program year on the Personal Development Report (PDR). Activities are totaled for all years in 4-H and star awards are given to those 4-H members meeting the requirements.
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: Complete at least 5 of the 8 PDR categories. |
 Gold Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories. |
 Silver Star: Complete at least 6 of the 8 PDR categories. |
 Platinum Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories. |
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 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 |
The Platinum Star is the highest achievement a 4-H member can earn in their 4-H Club! These 4-H members must have completed twelve 4-H projects, served as a Junior or Teen Leader four times, and given fifteen presentations, among other requirements. The platinum star was introduced in 2006.
El Dorado County Ambassador Team A County Ambassador is the representative and champion of the 4-H program in the county. The goal of the county Ambassador program is to recognize the achievements of active 4-H members and to offer additional opportunities for leadership.
The Emerald Star Award, sponsored by the El Dorado County 4-H Volunteer Management Board, is a county award for service to the community and/or to the 4-H program.
The California Diamond Clover is the highest achievement for which a 4-H youth member is recognized. All youth members who achieve the requirements are eligible to receive this award. Awardees receive the California Diamond Clover Pin or Necklace Charm, a certificate and a recognition letter from the Associate Director of 4-H Program and Policy.