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4-H Portfolios
4-H Portfolios are the combination of a resume and cover letter.
Resumes
The resume should represent a cumulative summary of the 4-H members background, skills, and accomplishments. The 4-H member should summarize their 4-H experience by highlighting their project involvement, activities, awards/recognitions, leadership experiences, and community service. Each year, applicants will need to update their information, maintaining the most pertinent information over time. Content should be clearly identified as 4-H or non-4-H; style of resume and formatting are at the discretion of the applicant. Applicants should include contact information, county, school grade, and year in 4-H. Maximum 2 pages.
Cover Letters
The cover letter should be a narrative to accompany the resume. When applying for different 4-H contests, leadership roles, etc., the cover letter should be tailored to the requirements of the application. Each application must have the outlined responsibilities posted. Rubrics should be tailored to specific responsibilities/objectives. Maximum 1 page.
COVER LETTER OBJECTIVES
RESOURCES
Need Help Getting Started?
*NEW* Online 4-H Portfolio Course
4-H Portfolio Resume Template
4-H Portfolio Cover Letter
My First Resume Activity
My First Cover Letter Activity
Developing 4-H Portfolio Content
Sample 4-H Resumes
Livestock Resume Example
Livestock & Animal Resume Example
FCS Resume Example
STEM Resume Example
Junior Resume - Jr Example 1 - Jr Example 2
Intermediate Resume Example
Senior Resume - Sr Example 1 - Sr Example 2
*While all of these examples received blue ribbons, none of them should be considered perfect. Please use them as a resource to help generate ideas about how to showcase your experience. They should NOT be used as templates.
4-H Portfolio Judge's Training
4-H Portfolios are the Standard Application Tool for:
State & Regional Leadership Roles
National 4-H Conference
National 4-H Congress
County Awards Nights and Portfolio Contests
4-H State Ambassador
State Portfolio Contest
Sample 4-H Cover Letter
Sample Cover Letter 1
Junior Cover Letter - Jr Example 1 - Jr Example 2
Intermediate Cover Letter Example
Senior Cover Letter Example
*Be sure to design your resume & cover letter to reflect your strengths and application, these are only examples NOT templates.
Staff Resources
Record Keeping
Please use these project sheets as a resource for record keeping. Project sheets are not required in most State 4-H Applications. Some Livestock shows have opted to require a project sheet in addition to the 4-H Portfolio. Check with your county and contests to see if they require project sheets.
STATE 4-H PORTFOLIO CONTEST
The State 4-H Portfolio Contest is the only time of year to receive feedback about your 4-H resume and cover letter on a state level. The 4-H Portfolio is the standard application tool for all 4-H leadership positions and a valuable resource as you seek employment. Competing in the State 4-H Portfolio Contest will give you a competitive advantage as you apply for other opportunities. Blue, red, and white ribbons will be awarded based on your scores. 4-H members of all ages are encouraged to submit their 4-H Portfolio. Contest open from December 1, 2023 – February 15, 2024.
**Note: The 2024 4-H Portfolio State Contest Cover Letter is centered on the culminating outcomes that youth may gain from their 4-H experience. The Cover Letter Objectives are aligned to the top emerging issues in each age group. Points will be awarded for complete answers and not for the best description of a positive 4-H experience.
Contestants have the option of answering each objective based on a) their actual 4-H experience or b) how to improve the 4-H program. Full points will be awarded for complete responses to either option under each topic.
2024 State Portfolio Contest Cover Letter Objectives:
4-H Career Honor Award
The 4-H Career Honor Award celebrates high school senior 4-H members who are prepared for the future because of their 4-H experience. State 4-H Portfolio contestants in their senior year of high school who receive a blue ribbon will receive a job application kit and 4-H graduation cords.
Submit your 4-H Portfolio for the State Contest
Questions? Contact Kelsey Romney
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