Project Records and Portfolios

Project Record Book Awards

Project Record Books are judged by age group (8–10, 11–12, 13–15, 16–18).

  • County Level: Pitt County offers Blue, Red, and White ribbons to recognize county winners at the yearly Achievement Night Awards program.
  • District/State Level: The top two books in each category and age group from every county advance to the state competition.
    • Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals: These are awarded to the top three books in the state for each category and age group.
    • Monetary Awards: State winners often receive cash prizes. While amounts vary by year and category sponsorship, they typically range from $25 to $100+.

Project Record Forms

Program Year Project Record Forms – Due by January 31st of each year.

8-10 Forms

11-12 Forms

13-15 Forms

16-18 Forms

PDF Fillable Forms

8 – 12 Forms

13 – 18 Forms

Sample Record Books - please ask 4-H agent for sample books.

Where Project Record Category does my project fit in?

green 4-H project record book

Portfolio Awards

Because Portfolios represent three years of high-level work, the rewards are even more prestigious. These are only available to the 13–15 and 16–18 age groups.

  • State Cumulative Awards: Winners are recognized at the NC 4-H State Congress in Raleigh. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners may also receive monetary awards.
  • Electric Project: The 4-H Electric program is unique in NC. Top portfolio winners in the Electric category often win a dedicated trip to 4-H Electric Congress, a multi-day event focused on STEM and fun.

Why should I do this?

Most NC 4-H'ers start with Project Record Books to get the hang of tracking their hours and activities in 4-H. As you get older (especially in the 13–15 and 16–18 brackets), the Portfolio becomes a great path to winning awards, being inducted into 4-H Honor Club, scholarships, and showing colleges that you have years of dedicated, documented leadership.

Agent Tip

Don't wait until December! Keep a "junk drawer" folder or a digital note on your phone to log hours and take photos as they happen. Trying to remember what you did in February when it's already November is the ultimate 4-H struggle.