By this time, the principle ingredients of 4-H work had been tested. Graham had shown how well young people would respond to organized clubs that introduced them to agricultural science and technology. Otwell's corn contests, with their premiums and equipment prizes, demonstrated the value of incentives to encourage young people to learn.
In 1907, education officials in Wright County, Iowa presented the three-leaf clover to the members of their boys’ and girls’ clubs as an emblem for their organization.