The world’s leading youth achievement Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA is a globally recognized youth achievement program that empowers young people (ages 14–24) to set ambitious goals, challenge themselves, and make a lasting impact.

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About The Award

How It Works

Every participant designs their own Award journey, choosing activities that matter to them.
The program includes:

Physical Recreation

Get active and healthy through a sport or physical challenge.

Skills

Explore an interest or master something new, from music to coding.

Voluntary Service

Give back to your community, build empathy, and develop responsibility.

Adventurous Journey

Plan and complete a group expedition, pushing your comfort zone.

Gold Project

Live and work on a meaningful, long-term project with peers in a residential setting.

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Why Do The Award

The Award gives young people the opportunity to grow through service, skill-building, physical activity, and adventure while developing the confidence, resilience, leadership, and sense of purpose that can benefit them for life.

As participants work through The Award, they gain real-world experience, strengthen important life skills, and challenge themselves in meaningful ways. They also have the opportunity to earn an internationally recognized credential that can support future success in higher education, employment, and military enlistment. Beyond the achievement itself, The Award connects young people to a globally respected framework for personal development that helps them stand out and prepares them for what comes next.

A diverse group of people pose together on stage, smiling and making energetic gestures in front of a colorful backdrop with images of various activities and landscapes. A podium stands to the right.

Global Reach. Local Impact.

For 70 years, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has helped young people build confidence, resilience, and purpose. What began in 1956 now spans 120+ countries, supporting millions of participants as they discover what they’re capable of.

Our Mission
A woman in a navy suit stands at a wooden podium on a stage, speaking into a microphone. The stage has a wooden floor, and there is a chair and a blue-covered object in the background.

“We must practice innovation, set goals, and shorten the line between students and success.

By participating in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, students are not only gaining experience for today, but equipping themselves with the skills needed for the future.”

– Dr. Maria Ortiz, Assistant Superintendent, Newark Public Schools

The Impact of The Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a journey of discovery, growth, and real-world skills. Through adventure, community service, and personal challenges, young people gain confidence, resilience, and abilities that prepare them for college, careers, and life.

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Three people wearing green aprons prepare food in a kitchen. One person cuts raw chicken on a yellow cutting board, while two others chop vegetables. Various ingredients and a recipe paper are on the table.

Now, more than ever, we need to invest in the world’s most precious resource – our young people – to ensure they have everything they need to tackle the current challenges they face and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

– The Duke of Edinburgh

Featured Stories

Stay up to date with the latest developments, inspiring achievements, and highlights from The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA.

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Since 1956, The Award has empowered young people to discover lifelong self-belief.

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