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Congressional Award

What is the Congressional Award?

The Congressional Award, established in 1979, is the United States Congress' highest honor for young Americans. It is completely non-partisan, non-competitive and voluntary. The program is open for all individuals from the age of 14 up until their 24thbirthday. Participants have the opportunity to receive six different distinctions based on their level of involvement within the award. Participants can receive Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates, as well as Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Awards.

For completion in each level of the program, one must set goals in the following areas; Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition. The Congressional Award allows participants to complete levels at their own pace, either on your own or with their friends. This is not an award for past accomplishment, but instead honoring them for achieving their own goals after registering for the program.

Requirements:

The Congressional Award is open enrollment, with no specific start or finish time throughout an individuals completion of the completion.

All individuals from the ages of 13 ½ through24 are able to participate in the Congressional Award. The Congressional Award had no minimum grade point average requirements and also accommodates young people with special needs who are willing to take the challenge.

Service Levels:

Listed below are the requirements of all six distinctions one can receive for their work in completing the Congressional Award.

Certificate Level:

 

Bronze Certificate

Silver Certificate

Gold Certificate

Voluntary Public Service

30 Hours

60 Hours

90 Hours

Voluntary Public Service

No Minimum Months

No Minimum Months

6 Months

Personal Development

15 Hours

30 Hours

45 Hours

Personal Development

No Minimum Months

No Minimum Months

6 Months

Physical Fitness

15 Hours

30 Hours

45 Hours

Physical Fitness

No Minimum Months

No Minimum Months

6 Months

Expedition/Exploration

1 Day

2 Days

3 Days

Medal Level:

 

Bronze Medal

Silver Medal

Gold Medal

Voluntary Public Service

100 Hours

200 Hours

400 Hours

Voluntary Public Service

7 Months

12 Months

24 Months

Personal Development

50 Hours

100 Hours

200 Hours

Personal Development

7 Months

12 Months

24 Months

Physical Fitness

50 Hours

100 Hours

200 Hours

Physical Fitness

7 Months

12 Months

24 Months

Expedition/Exploration

2 Day, 1 Night Trip

3 Day, 2 Night Trip

5 Day, 4 Night Trip

Awards:

Participants have the opportunity to earn various levels of rewards. Participants can earn a bronze, silver or gold Congressional Award Certificate and a bronze, silver or gold Congressional Award Medal. Participants who earn a bronze or silver medal will have said medal presented to them by the individuals member of Congress. Earning a gold medal presents the individual the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. along with other recipients to receive their medal dual a special ceremony.

Helpful Links:

Congressional Award Booklet: Click here

Congressional Award Website https://www.congressionalaward.org/

How to get started https://www.congressionalaward.org/register/

Common Questions:

Q: If I volunteer at an event that can also count towards another area can I count it for both?

A: No, an activity that you participate in can only count towards one area of your program.

Q: Can my Advisor and Validator be anyone?

A: No, both the Advisor and Validator should be individuals who are not family members.

Q: Can I receive class credit for my activities completing the Congressional Award?

A: No, all activities for the Congressional Award cannot count for class credit.

Q: What is the difference between my Validator and my Advisor?

A: A Validator will be specific to the goal you are pursuing. For example, a coach may be an appropriate Validator for your Physical Fitness goals. An Advisor will monitor and sign for your entire program.

Q: Does my high school sports team count towards my goal?

A: Yes, as long as the sport does not count toward a class credit.

Q: Can I apply for multiple awards at the same time?

A: No, there is only allowed to be one record book submitted at a time.

For Additional Questions, please visit: https://www.congressionalaward.org/program/how-it-works/f-a-q/