The Congressional AwardRepresenting the Best of America’s Youth

Recognizing young Americans’ commitment to themselves and their communities.

Four Program AreasEach recipient must set and achieve goals in:

Voluntary Public Service

Individual or Community Service

Personal Development

Further personal interests, social or employment skills

Physical Fitness

Improve quality of life through fitness activities

Expedition/Exploration

Outdoor, wilderness or venture either historical, cultural or environmental

Sample Activities

What others have done

4-H

American Legion

Baseball/Basketball

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Camping/Canoeing

Circle K

Habitat for Humanity

Junior Achievement

Junior

Achievement

Red Cross

Police Auxiliary

Running

Sewing

Tutoring

Hospital Volunteer

Girl/Boy Scouts

How it works

Step 1

RegisterRegistration starts at 13 ½ years of ageSet goals in all four areasSelect an adult advisor who will assist in reaching these goals

Step 2

Record HoursBegin recording hours in program Record BookMust be hours accumulated after registrationMust achieve goals before 24th birthday

Step 3

Earn AwardSix levels based upon hours given:Bronze, Silver or Gold CertificateBronze, Silver or Gold Medal

Table of HoursCertificate Level

Bronze 30 hours Voluntary Public Service

15 hours Personal Development

15 hours Physical Fitness

One-day Expedition/Exploration

Silver 60 hours Voluntary Public Service

30 hours Personal Development

30 hours Physical Fitness

Two-day Expedition/Exploration

Gold 90 hours Voluntary Public Service

45 hours Personal Development

45 hours Physical Fitness

Three-day Expedition/Exploration

Medal Level

Bronze 100 hours Voluntary Public Service

50 hours Personal Development

50 hours Physical Fitness

One-overnight Expedition/Exploration

Silver 200 hours Voluntary Public Service

100 hours Personal Development

100 hours Physical Fitness

Two-overnight Expedition/Exploration

Gold 400 hours Voluntary Public Service

200 hours Personal Development

200 hours Physical Fitness

Four-overnight Expedition/Exploration

Former Recipients

Chelsea SmithThe Congressional Award

is all about bettering yourself and giving back

to your community.

Supreet ShahIt provides a positive

experience for the young recipients it recognizes.

Casey RiggsIt allows Members of

Congress to develop and reinforce democratic

values and ideals within their districts.

Michael YounIt is a public/private

partnership. It raises its own funds through

donations and is the most cost-effective program

available.

Hidden Benefit

91% of teens make new friends in leadership programs

Questions?

More Information

http://congressionalaward.org/

Registration

http://congressionalaward.org/program/register-now/register-online/

FAQ

http://congressionalaward.org/program/how-it-works/f-a-q/