Florida 4-H Portfolio Workshop

Tips for an Award Winning Portfolio

February 11, 2008

CitrusCounty

Completing a 4-H Portfolio is an important part of learning to assess and document your 4-H experiences. Reviewing, analyzing, and sharing your opinions, feelings, observations, and ideas about your activities is another learning experience. Throughout our lives, we ask ourselves tough questions about our experiences and how they contribute to our future. Preparing a 4-H Portfolio is an opportunity to think back about what you have learned in projects, in club, county or state activities as well as about yourself. Take this opportunity to write about yourself at the close of this year, as you prepare for your life work.

  1. Begin early – do not wait until the last minute
  1. Gather all of your materials in one place – old project books and report summaries, “Marketing You” Workbook, and “What Are My Skills” handout.
  1. Have blank copy of the Awards Portfolio – you can print this off at florida4h.org

This will help you become familiar with the form.

  1. Select what program area you want to enter your portfolio into.
  1. Follow all of the directions – do not change anything – you will be disqualified
  1. Make sure you have the appropriate letters of recommendation and transcripts if applying for scholarships
  1. Your resume should reflect skills you have learned throughout your 4-H career – select no more than 5 skills from the “What Are My Skills” worksheet. This will help you focus on your strengths.
  1. When writing your 2-3 page narrative – it is important to focus on the skills learned and how you have benefitted – be very creative in how you present the information and not just repeat what is in your portfolio.
  1. Work with your 4-H Agent in making sure you have included everything and everything is in the right order. Your Agent is also good for editing your portfolio for grammar and accuracy of information. They can also help you possibly remember some things you accomplished that you may not have thought of.
  1. You only have so much space to “sell” yourself in your portfolio – list the most important items and combine items when you can.
  1. Read all of the instructions before beginning. ASK QUESTIONS – DON’T ASSUME!

Written by Judy Butterfield, Central District Regional Specialized 4-H Agent IV, 2/08