- Register for Prepared Speech Contest by Monday, March 23
- Deadline for Radio Public Service Announcements (PSA): Monday, March 23
- Prepared Speech Contest: Sunday, March 29, begins 1:30 p.m. — time slots assigned (Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County Conference Rooms)
The Prepared Speech and Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contests provide 4‑H members the opportunity to learn to express themselves clearly, organize their ideas and have confidence. Contests are open to all 4‑H members ages 5–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year). 4‑H members may choose to participate in either or both contests.
Register for the Prepared Speech Contest by March 23.
The Radio PSA contest will be held via audio only. Submit a PSA as a .wav, .mp3 or .m4a file online. Radio PSA awards and comment sheets will be announced and handed out at the Prepared Speech Contest.
🔎 MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORMS: All participants are strongly encouraged to review 4‑H Prepared Speech & Radio Public Service Announcement Contests for the complete contest rules and helpful resources, as well as registration form.
- Premiums: Purple $6; Blue $5; Red $3; White $0
- Clover Kids receive participation ribbons only, no premiums given
B125905 Prepared Speech Clover Kids division (5–7 years old)
B125920 Prepared Speech Junior division (8–10 years old) — length: 2–3 minutes
B125930 Prepared Speech Intermediate division (11–13 years old) — length: 3–5 minutes
B125940 Prepared Speech Senior division (14–18 years old) — length: 5–8 minutes
B125950 Radio PSA Clover Kids division (5–7 years old) — length: 60 seconds
B125960 Radio PSA Junior division (8–10 years old) — length: 60 seconds
B125970 Radio PSA Intermediate division (11–13 years old) — length: 60 seconds
B125980 Radio PSA Senior division (14–18 years old) — length: 60 seconds
2027 CONTEST DATES
- PREPARED SPEECH: Sunday, March 28, 2027, 1:30 p.m. — Registration due March 22
- RADIO PSA: Entries due March 22, 2027 — Theme TBA
STATEWIDE CONTEST: The Nebraska 4‑H State Premier Communication Event includes Prepared Speech and Radio Public Service Announcements for 4‑H members ages 8–18 (by Jan. 1 of the current year) and will be held June 16–17, 2026 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln East Campus. 4‑H members must receive a purple ribbon and qualify at the county contest to participate and will represent Lancaster County. The event also offers an Impromptu Speech contest, which is a non-qualifying event open to all enrolled members in 4‑H ages 8–18.