We are READY as experts in out-of-school education.
Today’s young people are facing extraordinary challenges and change. Award USA remains steadfast, working to ensure that despite COVID-19, young people ages 14-24 continue to develop resilience, confidence, and internal motivation that will drive them forward within the classroom and beyond.
The Award is BUILT FOR NOW.
Thanks to the efforts of donors and volunteers like you, when the pandemic hit, our team was already hard at work expanding our virtual Award offerings. Because of this, we were able to quickly pivot to offer fully remote program access. As a result, Award USA is able to provide opportunities for leadership and a broader sense of connection desperately needed during this time.
Award USA is DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE.
We remain committed to making the program accessible to all young people. 55% of US Award participants report they are from a minority race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, are differently abled and/or live with low income – and this is just the beginning. We seek to grow our financial assistance and strong work of inclusivity. Additionally, we have set ambitious goals both to further diversify our leadership and raise up activism, particularly around racial justice, within the Award.
We are GROWING COMMUNITY and IMPACTING lives.
As a fast-growing startup division, we continue to follow our 2020-2023 strategic plan. We are cultivating partnerships and establishing our presence within schools, community groups and like minded organizations to establish new Award Centers. We are engaging alumni to mentor through our Open Award Center. We have a fantastic base of support and we are working tirelessly to amplify the impact and awareness of this exceptional program.
We have ambitious goals. Like the young people we support, we will rise to the challenge.
A survey of young people during COVID found...
50%
Report high
levels of stress
54%
Concerned for
mental health
62%
Concerned for
physical fitness
74%
Concerned about
health of others
Over 4000 young people surveyed in 42 countries May/June 2020
We help young people be
READY FOR CHANGE.
READY FOR A NEW 'NORMAL'.
READY FOR OUR NEW WORLD.
We help young people discover their
Purpose, Passion and Place in the World.
Partnering with like-minded organizations,
we offer a globally recognized Youth Achievement Award.
Active in over 130 countries
and territories
More than 1.1 Million are undertaking the Award globally
And millions more are alumni of the Award
PROVEN
The Award is a flexible and proven youth development program for 14-24 year-olds.
Voluntary
Service
Give back to
communities
Physical
Recreation
Get active
New
Skills
Develop transferrable skills
Adventurous
Journey
Experience adventure and learn to lead
Residential
Project
Broaden horizons, meeting others in a new environment
(Gold Level Only)
The Award focuses on challenging real-world
experiences that build resilience,
leadership and connection to community.
DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE
The Award was founded on a deep belief in the power of young people. Time and again, youth have been at the forefront of movements for justice and equality. Award USA stands united with them against the systemic and institutionalized racism that has plagued our country for centuries. We are committed to doing our part.
55%
Participants are at
risk or marginalized
40%*
Are of a minority race, religion
or other group identified
as being marginalized
16%*
Self report being
differently abled
13%*
At risk living at or
below poverty
*Some participants report
more than one of these status
The only barrier to participation is age. The Award is for all young people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion,
circumstance, ability, sexuality, or experience.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Value of Service Hours
$48,960
To Community
Broke a Sweat For
6,000
Hours of Physical Recreation
Experienced
11,328
Hours Exploring Nature
Learned a New Skill for Over
5,000
Hours
Supported By
1,300+
Adult Volunteers
GROWING ACROSS THE USA
343
New registrants in 2019
489
Active in 2019
124
Awards earned in 2019
8,200+
US Award Alumni
68
Bronze Awards
34
Silver Awards
22
Gold Awards
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PARTNERS OF THE AWARD
4H Cooperative Extension Carroll County, NH
Adapt, NH
Alto International High School, CA
Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, IL
Boy Scouts of America Alamo Area Council, TX
Boy Scouts of America, Middle Tennessee Council, TN
Boy Scouts of America, Greater New York Councils, NY
Boy Scouts of America, Nevada Area Council, NV
Boy Scouts of America, Northern Star Council, MN
Boy Scouts of America, Pathways to Adventure Council, IL
Boy Scouts of America, South Plains Council, TX
British International School of Boston, MA
British International School of Chicago, South Loop, IL
British International School of Houston, TX
British International School of Washington, DC
Dwight School, NY
Enriched Learning Center, NH
Food for Good Thought, OH
Great Hearts Northern Oaks, TX
Holton Arms School, TX
Leman Manhattan Preparatory School, NY
Miss America Organization Miss Alabama, AL
Philadelphia Outward Bound School, PA
Saint Mary’s Hall, TX
The Manhattan International High School, NY
The International High School of Health Sciences, NY
Viewpoint School, CA
United Nations International School, NY
University of New Hampshire 4H Cooperative Extension, NH
West Valley Muslim Association, CA
IMPACTFUL
Net Promoter Score of 61
0%
A Net Promoter Score (NPS) aims to measure the loyalty that exists between a provider and a user. Scores frame from -100 to +100. The overall NPS score for the Award globally is 33 with an NPS of 61 for Gold Award holders.
Say the Award encouraged
them to try something new
0%
Say the Award inspired
them to do more
0%
Enjoyed the
Award Process
0%
Bronze holders plan
to continue to the next level
A blueprint to achieving a better future for all, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 links through seven goals to the work of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in the USA and abroad. Together we are addressing global challenges we face, promoting peace, prosperity, and a healthy environment.
Roundtable and National Award Ceremony
Gathering Award Holders and Alumni, two events celebrated their achievements in October 2020. A virtual National Award Ceremony celebrated 214 new Award Holders and included messages of congratulations from HRH the Earl of Wessex, The Royal Airforce Red Arrows, and Consul General Gogbashian on behalf of the British Ambassador to the USA. Through a roundtable, a dozen young people spoke with HRH The Earl of Wessex and staff about the challenges of COVID and how skills and habits learned through the Award have helped them thrive.
Award Holder and recent Princeton Valedictorian Nicholas Johnson joined HRH The Earl of Wessex on October 15 at an event about Generation Z co-hosted by Award USA and the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco, moderated by Board Chair Nichelle Carr. The event was supported by Salesforce and Hellman & Friedman. With a discussion centered around the challenges facing young people coming of age during these difficult times and how Award USA is built for this moment, topics included climate change and addressing racial justice.
Supporting national growth of Award
participants, volunteers, and fundraising
75 grants to increase access for low
income participants and Award Centers
Reached 130 new Award Leaders and Coordinators in 5 states and virtually
Updating curriculum to be
delivered remotely
OUR SUPPORTERS
Charter Member Circle
Gifts in 3 years exceed $150,00
C.N.A.*
Dart Foundation*
James Dicke II*
Hub International*
Legal and General Investment
Management America*
Legacy Donors
Gifts through end of life vehicles
Joan M. and Derek J. Benham
Gold Level Donors
$25,000 to $99,999
Richard and Alexandra Gulliver
Salesforce
Silver Level Donors
$10,000 to $24,999
Joan M. Benham*
Hellman and Friedman
Moet Hennessy
Krista and Richard Pinola
Mr. and Mrs. David R. Tunnell
*Award Champions – Indicates a 3-year annual pledge at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Charter level
OUR AMBASSADORS
*Photo from 2019. Not pictured Amber Kennelly.
Governing Board 2020
Nichelle Carr, Chair; President, West City One Studios James DiBiasi, Treasurer; President, 3D Communications Amber Kennelly, Secretary; Chief Human Resources Officer, Hub International Major David Clarke CVO; Honorary Advisor, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International
Award Foundation Benjamin Morris; Director of Finance, The Duke of
Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation Richard Pinola; Principal, Fortuna Capital Advisors Ryan Ruskin; President, The Ruskin Group Anne Wallestad; President and CEO, Board Source
Ex-officio
Elizabeth Higgins-Beard; CEO
Governing Board Emeritus
Gregory Belton CVO CM Dr. Michael Clarke Gary Davis Richard Gulliver, past Chair
Honorary Board
Hon. Stephen Bridges LVO; UK & Ireland Director
for US State of Indiana David Hryck; Partner, Reed Smith Kim Isaacs Katz; Principal, Bernstein Daniel Singer; Founder and President, Filthy Foods