The Congressional Gold Medal Award honors young achievers for their initiative, service & accomplishments.

Read this blog for strategies and inspiration to win!

Introduction The Congressional Award was instituted by the United States Congress in 1979 with the aim of acknowledging the initiative, service, and accomplishments of young individuals.

It originated as a bipartisan initiative within both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, with Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and Congressman James Howard of New Jersey serving as the original sponsors of the bill.

Enacted under Public Law 96-114, the Congressional Award operates as a partnership between the private and public sectors, relying solely on funding from private sources.

President Jimmy Carter initially signed the legislation into law, with subsequent administrations, including those of Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.

W.

Bush, Bill Clinton, George W.

Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald J.

Trump, endorsing continuing legislation to support its mission.

Know the Basics Eligibility:  The Congressional Award program is inclusive, welcoming youth aged 14 to 24 from all backgrounds and circumstances within the United States, regardless of ability or socioeconomic status.

Participants have the opportunity to earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates, as well as Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals, reflecting their achievements within the program.

The program comprises four core areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration, with participants setting goals in each area to progress through the levels.

Eligibility for enrollment in the Award begins at 13 1/2 years old, allowing participants to start planning their goals and activities early on.

Participants become eligible to submit completed record book applications for review once they reach the age of 14, marking the official start of their journey towards earning the Congressional Award.

Program Areas and Requirements for Congressional Award Levels: Bronze Level: Voluntary Public Service: 100 hours, minimum 7 months Personal Development: 50 hours, minimum 7 months Physical Fitness: 50 hours, minimum 7 months Expedition: 2-day, 1-night trip Silver Level: Voluntary Public Service: 200 hours, minimum 12 months Personal Development: 100 hours, minimum 12 months Physical Fitness: 100 hours, minimum 12 months Expedition: 3-day, 2-night trip Gold Level: Voluntary Public Service: 400 hours, minimum 24 months Personal Development: 200 hours, minimum 24 months Physical Fitness: 200 hours, minimum 24 months Expedition: 5-day, 4-night trip Getting Started Start Early: Register Early: You can register for the program at 13½ years old and begin submitting your activities at age 1

4. Starting early gives you more time to complete the required hours and months for each program area.

Activity Start Date: Remember that your “activity start date” is set when you register.

This marks the day you can start counting your activities toward the program.

Set Challenging Goals: Think Big: The Gold Award is the highest level, so set ambitious and personally challenging goals in each program area.

Your goals should demonstrate a significant commitment to: Community Service: Make a lasting impact on your community.

Personal Development: Enhance your skills, knowledge, and character.

Physical Fitness: Maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Expedition/Exploration: Explore new horizons and challenge yourself.

Be Specific: Define clear objectives for each area.

For example: “I will organize a monthly food drive for the local shelter. ” “I will learn a new language and achieve conversational fluency. ” “I will participate in a marathon and improve my running time. ” “I will hike the Appalachian Trail during summer break. ” “The Congressional Award program is great; it’s tough but allows you to grow in leadership, personal development, and physical fitness.

What’s cool is that it is recognized by the United States and was actually a bill signed into law, meaning that it’s Congress’ highest honor for youth. ” Yashvir Sabharwal, a recipient of the Gold Medal, 2024 Plan Your Activities: Align with Goals: Identify activities that align with your goals.

Consider your interests, passions, and the impact you want to make.

Diverse Activities: Engage in a variety of activities within each program area.

Balance volunteering, skill-building, fitness, and exploration.

Keep Records: Keep track of the hours and months you spend on each activity.

Use the provided Workbook and Activity Log to record your progress.

Seek Support: Choose an Advisor: Select an Advisor who can guide you through the process.

Your Advisor should be someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

Collaborate: Work closely with your Advisor to set meaningful goals and plan activities.

Regular check-ins will keep you on track.

Stay Organized: Use the Record Book: The Record Book is your roadmap.

It outlines the requirements and helps you organize your achievements.

Track Progress: Regularly update your Record Book.

Ensure you meet the requirements for each program area: Voluntary Public Service: Log 400 hours of community service.

Personal Development: Dedicate 200 hours to personal growth.

Physical Fitness: Invest 200 hours in fitness activities.

Expedition/Exploration: Undertake a memorable five-day adventure.

Attention to Detail: Accuracy matters.

Double-check your entries and ensure they align with the guidelines.

Congressional Award Workbook.

Congressional Award Activity log.

Submit Your Record Book: Completion Check: Once you’ve completed the required activities, submit your Record Book for review by the National Office.

Patience: Be patient during the review process.

It may take several weeks.

Use this time to continue your journey toward the next award level.

How to register: Register Online: Visit the official Congressional Award website to begin your journey.

When you register, your “activity start date” is set, which marks the day you can start counting your activities toward the program.

Pay a one-time registration fee of $2

5. 0

0. Are you eligible for a waived registration fee?

Participants who meet the criteria for their school's free or reduced lunch program based on financial need may qualify to have their registration fee waived.

If you meet the requirements, kindly adhere to the instructions provided and submit the necessary documentation using the form below.

Attend the Gold Medal Ceremony: Celebrate: If possible, attend the annual Gold Medal Ceremony in Washington, D.

C.

It’s a momentous occasion where you’ll receive your award.

Local Presentation: If you can’t attend in person, choose to have your Gold Medal presented locally or mailed directly to you.

Note: The Gold Congressional Award is a non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive program that accommodates young people with diverse backgrounds and interests.

Here's another guide on securing the U.

S.

Presidential Scholar Award.

As you pursue the Gold Congressional Award, remember it's not just about winning an honor—it's about growth, service, and leaving a mark.

Each hour you spend, every goal you set, and each obstacle you overcome shapes you into a better you.

So, go ahead with determination, kindness, and strength.

Whether you're at the peak of a mountain or helping your community, know you're part of something bigger—a legacy of young leaders striving for change.

May your steps be purposeful, your heart open, and your resolve unwavering.

And when you earn that Gold Medal, hold it high—it's a symbol of your achievements and your dedication to a brighter tomorrow.

How can you start?

For those of you who aspire to succeed in high school, explore Rishab Jain's YouTube channel.

Rishab, a U.

S.

Presidential scholar and ISEF winner currently studying at Harvard, offers valuable guidance on achieving success in high school.

With numerous research papers to his name, his channel is filled with helpful guides and insights to support your journey.