The Clover Awards were created to encourage 4-H members to engage in a variety of projects and activities, to enable members to refine their record keeping abilities, and to enhance their leadership skills. The Clover Awards program also is designed to recognize youth for their continued involvement and growth through the 4-H program.
Purpose: The Clover Awards program will recognize youth who are well-rounded 4-H members and have shown growth and progression across their 4-H career. There are five levels of achievement youth may earn through the program, to allow them to set goals and progress through their 4-H career. This aligns with various research-based literature on self-determination, goal attainment, and engagement. Youth who are engaged in programs and can see a progression through the program are more likely to stay involved. Keeping youth engaged is a core part of the 4-H program as we know youth who are engaged are more likely to thrive.
Check out the resources in the table below to get started:
Questions? Contact Frances Foos (State 4-H Office) at foos.61@osu.edu or Christy Clary (Clover Awards Committee Chair) at clary.42@osu.edu, or reach out to your county 4-H professional.
| Resource | Description |
| Clover Award Overview | Provides a general overview of the award process, details for each level, and prerequisites and policies for the award program. Also includes a list of approved events and activities. |
| Clover Award Tasks Overview Grid | An overview of each of the tasks required for each level |
| Clover Award Record Sheet: Fillable PDF | Word Document | A record sheet to use to keep track of your 4-H experiences aligned with the tasks required for each level |
| Clover Award Tip Sheet | A one-page document that gives a brief overview of the program. |
Clover Award Forms
*Contact your County Extension Office for submission instructions. Each county may have different deadlines and processes, but the form and tasks are the same statewide.
Emerald Clover - Level 5
*Must be 16 years old as of January 1 of year of application
All Emerald Clover applications are due December 1 to the State 4-H Office. Check with your county for any additional requirements or earlier submission dates for review. Winners will be recognized on stage at the Ohio 4-H Conference Teen Awards Luncheon the following March.
- Emerald Clover - Level 5 Form
- Emerald Clover Application Link - Due December 1, 2026 (Upload Completed PDF form, Video, Resume, and Cover Letter).
Additional Resources for Emerald Clover:
- Optional Cover Letter Template | Cover Letter Example
- Optional 4-H Resume Template | Resume Example
- Video Recording Tips
- Use your phone to record your video in landscape mode
- Film in a quiet environment that offers a well-lit space (natural lighting from a window works great)
- Keep your background simple and free of distracting items
- Set your phone up against a stack of books, a tripod, or something else to keep it steady while recording so you have your hands free.
- Speak clearly, confidently, and loud enough for the phone mic to pick up what you are saying
- Save your video to a Google Drive or YouTube unlisted video with a shareable link for submission as the video file is likely too large to upload.