Achievement Program
The Achievement Program gives you incentives to find and use your Spark to make a positive difference in the world.
We highly recommend you take advantage of both programs to maximize your growth and learning in 4-H.
iSprout
Primary
4-H ages 5-8
Spark Achievement
Junior 4-H ages 9-10
and New 4-H'ers
Emerald Star I & II Achievement
Intermediate
4-H ages 11-13
Impact Star Achievement
Senior
4-H ages 14-18
iSprout
Primary Ages 5-8
The iSprout activities focus on the following four topics: Knowing Me, Knowing My Family, Knowing 4-H and Knowing My Community.
Spark Achievements
Junior Ages 9-10 and New 4-H'ers
The Spark Achievements level will help you build a foundation to progress to the more challenging levels.
Form: Spark Achievements Report
Emerald Star I and Emerald Star II Achievements
Intermediate ages 11-13
The Emerald Star I and Emerald Star II Achievements levels are in a soft-launch phase across the state for the 2023-24 program year.
Returning Intermediate and Senior 4-H’ers who want to switch to the new Achievement Program will also start out at this level.
Intermediate and Senior members who have started Star Ranks have three options:
Continue working on the Star Rank program and related Record Book requirements.
Finish the current rank you are working toward. Plan to convert to the new program in 2023-24. Specially designed recognition pins will be awarded for members who complete both systems of achievement.
After achieving Platinum Star Rank, start the new achievement program at any time, after the release of the Emerald Star I and Emerald Star II levels. Specially designed recognition pins will be awarded for members who complete both systems of achievement.
Impact Star Achievements
Senior ages 14-18
The Impact Star Achievements level for Senior Members are in a soft-launch phase across the state for the 2023-24 program year.
Senior members who have started Star Ranks have three options:
Continue working on the Star Rank program and related Record Book requirements.
Finish the current rank you are working toward. Plan to convert to the new program in 2023-24. Specially designed recognition pins will be awarded for members who complete both systems of achievement.
After achieving Platinum Rank, start the new achievement program at any time, after the release of the Impact Star Achievements level. Specially designed recognition pins will be awarded for members who complete both systems of achievement.
Questions about the Achievement Program?
Contact Gemma Miner at gmminer@ucanr.edu.
Join the Facebook CA 4-H Achievement Support private group.
Star Rank System
Starting in 2022-23, new 4-H'ers and Junior 4-H'ers will start out with the Spark Achievement Program. The Star Rank System will be an option only for 4-H'ers who have already actively participated in the Star Rank system prior to 2021-22.
The Star Ranking system is based on the Personal Development Record (PDR) of the Record Book. It was developed as a goal setting tool, aimed at encouraging broad-based participation. The Star Ranking System tallies participation in eight categories:
4-H Projects Completed
4-H Project Skill Activities
4-H Events Attended
Leadership Development
Citizenship & Community Service
Communication Skills
Honors and Recognition
Lifestyle Activities
You earn stars by completing the required number of activities for each level:
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.
Emerald Star (not in all counties): The Emerald Star program 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.
Platinum Star: Complete at least 7 of the 8 PDR categories.
For more details and to continue participating in the Star Ranking System, please see the PDR report form (Google doc). Please see the Record Book page for other formats of the form.
Still have questions?
Contact Gemma Miner at gmminer@ucanr.edu.