National Office of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award USA

the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award USA (the organization) offices were established in may of 2016. As a licensed National Award operator by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award foundation (iaf), Award USA operates with over 35 program partners (Award centers): schools, after school programs, corporations and colleges to deliver the Award nationally in 27 states & dc. Award USA also offers an innovative virtual Award program connecting young people in the USA with mentors through electronic means to participate in the Award where no Award centers have yet been established. Award USA's ambition is that every young person in the USA should have the opportunity to pursue the Award. Continued funding for Award USA comes from primarily private donors, as well as grant support, Award participant fees, and Award center licensing fees. Scholarship funds are raised to support marginalized and low income young people in their Award activities including their adventurous journeys. the Award equips young people for life.the Award is:- open to all young people aged 14-24, regardless of their background and circumstances.- about personal development and individual challenge: it is a non-competitive, enjoyable, voluntary program, which requires sustained effort over time.- a non-formal educational framework which can complement formal education or offer a substitute where formal opportunities are not available.- comprised of three levels: bronze, silver and gold.- consists of four sections: voluntary service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journey, as well as a project at the gold level.