Programs of Distinction

Programs of Distinction is a recognition program that highlights high quality youth development programs within Cooperative Extension occurring in communities across the United States. These programs exhibit strong program development characteristics and contribute to the field; convey new ideas, materials or innovative methods; and demonstrate changes in knowledge, behaviors, attitudes or aspirations of youth and adults. Programs of Distinction are supported by the 4-H system partners and coordinated through 4-H National Headquarters, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Manuscripts that meet Programs of Distinction standards are posted in searchable web database (see below).

PEER REVIEWER APPLICATIONS

4-H National Headquarters is accepting applications for Programs of Distinction Peer Reviewers. Click here for information about the benefits and expectations of being a Peer Reviewer. Click here to access the application. The application and two letters of recommendation are DUE NOVEMBER 30.

PROGRAMS OF DISTINCTION AWARDS

Programs of Distinction provide national recognition for high quality programs. National recognition as a Program of Distinction has attracted donors to those programs. In addition, several award programs present monetary recognition to Programs of Distinction:

• NAE4-HA Dr. Jim Duncan Program of Distinction Award: Manuscripts accepted as a Program of Distinction each calendar year are eligible for this award the following year. NAE4-HA members in good standing are eligible for this $500 award. For more information about award criteria, members can log in via "Awards & Recognition" under the "Professional Development" tab at http://www.nae4ha.com/. Applicants must submit the NAE4-HA Member Recognition Application by MARCH 1 to be considered.
   
• MetLife Foundation Awards of Excellence: National 4-H Council and the MetLife Foundation annually offers four $2,000 cash awards to 4-H Programs of Distinction that exhibit excellence in citizenship programming in an afterschool/out-of-school environment. Visit http://grants.4-H.org for more information, including accessing the award application as early as JANUARY.
   
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) and 4-H Connecting Youth with Nature Through Natural Resources Conservation Education Award: In 2010, 4-H and the FWS are celebrating a 30-year partnership. This annual award includes $10,000 for a 4-H Program of Distinction and travel for up to 5 program representatives, including 2 youth, to accept the award during a reception at the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conservation Conference. For more information, see 2010 flier, award application, and award scoring rubric. Award application dates for the 2011 award will be released by early 2010; award applications are expected to be due in early fall.

Manuscripts are accepted for peer review on a rolling basis. Manuscripts are rarely accepted following an initial peer review. Allow 3 months to complete the peer review cycle, especially when applying for an award.

Submission form and useful resources:

• Program of Distinction Description and Guidelines (PDF)
• Tips for Submitting a Programs of Distinction Manuscript (PDF)
• Manuscript Submission Form (RTF)
• Programs of Distinction Scoring Rubric (Word)
• Programs of Distinction Overview Presentation (PDF)

Searchable Database

Search and browse the Programs of Distinction database. Program summaries are online in the areas of:
    Leadership, Citizenship & Life Skills
    Science, Engineering & Technology Literacy
    Healthy Lifestyles
    Youth in Governance
    Organizational Strategies