The Congressional Award

The Congressional Award

Background:

The United States Congress established The Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The original bill was sponsored by Senator Malcolm Wallop of Wyoming and Congressman James Howard of New Jersey.

The enabling legislation (Public Law 96-114) established The Congressional Award as a private-public partnership, which receives all funding from the private sector. The legislation was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald J. Trump have each signed continuing legislation.

Prospective Participants:

Young people may register when they turn 13 1/2 years old. They are eligible to submit activities starting at 14 years old and must complete their activities by their 24th birthday.

Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.

Regardless of your situation, you can earn The Congressional Award. The Congressional Award has no minimum grade point average requirements. It accommodates young people with special needs or disabilities who are willing to take the challenge.

Requirements:

A complete description of the program details and requirements can be found in the Program Book here.

Registration:

1. PARTICIPANTS REGISTER FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL AWARD

Participants must first register in order to begin pursing the Congressional Award. Participants can register and pay the one-time registration fee below.

The day you register is your “activity start date” or the day you may begin counting activity toward the program. You may not count activities logged prior to your registration.

2. PARTICIPANTS CREATE A NEW SUBMITTABLE ACCOUNT – THE AWARD ONLINE RECORD BOOK PLATFORM

After participants register, sign up for a Submittable account. This platform is where participants can digitally save their progress and submit their record books.

Submittable: Sign Up and Create an Account

Participants will need to create their own account and password. The Award recommends using the same email for the new account that participants list on the registration form below. Note: participants were not given an account log in and they must sign up to create an account. Keep this account log in for future access. Advisors and validators do not need to create an account.

ELIGIBLE FOR A WAIVED REGISTRATION FEE?

Participants who qualify for their school’s free or reduced lunch program due to financial status may have their registration fee waived. If you qualify, please DO NOT submit the online form below. Instead, complete the Hard Copy Registration Form and mail or email to our office with documentation of your status in the free or reduced lunch program.