For Participants
For young people ages 14–24 who are participating in, or interested in starting, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA — this FAQ provides a quick overview of what the Award involves, how to get started, and what to expect at each level as you work toward earning your credential.
The Award is a youth‑development program designed for young people ages 14–24 that encourages personal growth through voluntary service, skill development, physical recreation, and adventure. Upon successfully completing the program, participants receive the internationally recognized credential that is The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Young people aged 14‑24 are eligible to participate, with three progressive levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) to match individual growth.
- Bronze: minimum 6-month commitment; eligible for participants age 14+
- Silver: minimum 6-12 month commitment; eligible for participants age 15+
- Gold: minimum 12-18 month commitment and includes an additional fifth section known as the Gold Project; eligible for participants age 16+
Participants engage in: skill development, voluntary service, physical recreation, and an adventurous journey. At Gold level, the Gold Project adds an additional residential experience.
Time depends on the participant’s pace and level. Completing the Award is about sustained effort, not just a one‑time event. For Bronze the minimum time commitment is 6-months, Silver 6-12 months, and Gold 12-18 months.
Join a licensed Award Center in your community or our Virtual Open Award Center. Once registered, speak with your Award Leader, design your program, and begin your journey.
The Award lets you build real‑world skills (leadership, teamwork, problem‑solving), show commitment outside the classroom, and gain a globally recognized certification that supports college applications, resumes, and career readiness.
For Partners
For our partners — including schools, youth organizations, and community groups interested in becoming licensed Award Centers with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA — this FAQ provides an overview of the licensing process and the support available to help your organization guide young people through the program.
It means your organization is licensed to deliver the Award — you’ll support participants, manage the program locally, and work with Award USA to ensure quality and compliance.
Complete the application and sign license agreement to become an Award Center with Award USA, participate in required training, adopt the Award framework, and commit to supporting participants through the levels.
Training for leaders, digitial program materials, guidance on best practices, and ongoing access to the Award’s global network and standards.
Participation offers structured personal development beyond academics: boosting self‑confidence, leadership, resilience and readiness for higher education or workforce entry.
Yes — it complements existing extracurricular, service‑learning or leadership initiatives by providing a structured framework recognized worldwide. It can also be offered alongside programming for co-curricular enhancement.
For Donors & Supporters
For individuals, foundations, and organizations who contribute to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA — this FAQ explains how your donation makes a difference, ways to sponsor participants or programs, and how to stay informed about the impact of your support.
Donations directly support young people. Donations can also fund the training of Award Leaders, development of new Award Centers, and additional financial support for participants.
Absolutely. You can choose to support an individual participant, a specific Award Center, or a broader program expansion initiative.
Donors and supporters receive updates, impact reports, participant stories and access to insights on how the Award is helping young people become world‑ready through character, skills and leadership.