“Project Achievement is one of the largest and most exciting, challenging and rewarding programs offered by Georgia 4-H. 4-H’ers choose a project area of interest, research a topic, then write and present an oral presentation to others. For Cloverleaf 4-H’ers, students in grades 4-6, this process is about hands on learning, self confidence, and sharing knowledge. Competition begins at the school, local, or county level and can advance to a district level” (Georgia 4-H Website).
Project Achievement can easily line up with school projects and youth hobbies. Is your school hosting a history or science fair? Why not use their hard work twice? Extension staff can assist youth on how to create a static exhibit into a presentation. Did your child or student have the opportunity to write about their favorite hobby in a recent homework assignment? School papers are a great foundation for presentations. Is your child interested in learning new things, taking things apart to learn how they tick, or understanding how to care for something? Perhaps, allowing them to research and write about their interests could be a fun Saturday afternoon or rainy day activity. Youth in grades 4th-6th have over 50 topic areas to choose from, so the hardest part might be choosing a topic to learn about. After, choosing a topic youth will have fun digging deeper into something they are interested in and creating something they are proud of.
Project Achievement is hosted throughout the state to make participating easy. Events vary in size and length. Check with your local extension service to learn where they plan to participate. Some events are even overnight, which can be lots of fun! Most 4th-6th grade competitions occur on Saturday. Events generally include an opening assembly, competition, lunch, games and fun activities, and an awards ceremony.
Often times, counties host workshops to help youth prepare. Parents can drop off or plan to work alongside staff to create, learn, and share in the educational experience with their child. Base staff leading 4-H are encouraged to partner with county staff or host workshops on base. If your county 4-H program is hosting a workshop promote this on base, drive the van to the UGA Extension office and support the activity, and/or host your own workshop. During your monthly 4-H meetings on base plan to focus on selecting a project, presentation skills, and how to a write a speech. Base staff could even host a mini Project Achievement on base to help prepare for the District competition. Promoting Project Achievement is a great way for youth to learn public speaking, planning, research skills.
Another common way to promote Project Achievement is hosting an reward trip for those who participate. Staff could host a fun water day, take youth to a local theme park, go ice-skating, or check out a corn-maze. Perhaps, you do not have time to host an reward trip. Consider discounting project achievement participants at an upcoming event or giving out mini scholarships for 4-H camp.
If you have questions on how to plan a workshop, how to connect with county staff, or lessons available on presentation skills let us know. You can reach a military 4-H staff person at milcamps@uga.edu. If you are reading this from a different state or overseas location 4-H can be found across the globe. Check with your state and local club to discover how they promote public speaking and how to get involved.
