Who We Are
With more than 60 years’ experience equipping young people to be ready for the world, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is here to help. The Award is a development framework, used by organizations who work with young people ages 14-24. The Award empowers young people to learn and grow through non-formal education, all while working towards a globally recognized accreditation.
Read moreThe Award Encourages Young People to Be
The Award encourages young people to:
Stay mentally and physically healthy
Connect (safely) with others
Give back to the community
Embrace structure and purpose
Readjust to formal education
The Award encourages young people to:
Gain essential life skills
Enhance employability
Develop goal setting and planning
Increase community engagement
Thrive in a changing world
A Champion of the Infinite Potential of Young People
Young people growing up in this modern, complicated world have many difficulties to face, and opportunities for personal achievement are often limited. The Award is intended to help both the young as well as those who are concerned for their welfare. [It] provides an introduction to worthwhile leisure activities and voluntary service, as a challenge to the satisfaction of achievement and encourages the development of young citizens.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh - Founder of the AwardOur Framework
Voluntary Service
By giving voluntary service over an extended period of time, young people witness and experience the benefits that their service provides to others and encourages them to become more active, engaged citizens.
Skill Development
Through improving on an existing skill or trying something new, young people build a sense of achievement and well-being as well as improved employability.
Physical Recreation
Through regular physical activity, young people improve their health, team skills, self-esteem and confidence.
Adventurous Journey
By engaging in outdoor adventurous activities, young people learn more about their environment, the impact their activities can have, and enhance their confidence, health and wellness, teamwork, and leadership.
Gold Project
The Gold Project gives young people a shared, purposeful experience with others outside of their social circle, enhancing communication skills, developing initiative, and civic and intercultural competence.
Becoming World Ready
Hear from Award Holders on how the Award prepared them for their future.
How to Get Involved
Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Learn goal setting, build your confidence and try new things! You'll gain skills, develop healthy habits, make friends, and achieve an Award that will make you #worldready.
Give young people the best possible start. Confidence, resilience, team working – just some of the skills young people get through their Award that help them in life and improve their chances of moving forward in education or getting a job.
Transform young people’s lives. Open to all backgrounds, cultures and abilities, the Award empowers young people, raises their aspirations, and opens doors to employment. Together we can strengthen communities across Canada.
Testimonials
Sarah Sauve
Gold Award AchieverThanks to my involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program, the world is my oyster.
Vipul Gupta
Silver Award AchieverThis program taught me to manage my time effectively, be self-motivated and enjoy every moment for what it is worth, because moments like these don’t come back.
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Dave Maynard
Award LeaderI see the Duke of Edinburgh programme as an incredible opportunity for personal development for young people that will help them be successful throughout their lives.
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Heather Aucoin
Award LeaderThe Award pushes youth out of their comfort zone and encourages them to try new things.
Bob Quartermain
Former Chairman & Chief Executive Officer for Pretium Resources IncThe discipline and commitment that The Award instilled in me in 1973 has continued throughout my life. It has been important in shaping the manner in which I operate in business and interact with my family, friends and coworkers. I’ve been fortunate that throughout my career I have been successful both professionally and financially and that has provided me with the capacity to give back. It is appropriate that I am able now to give back to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as the organization had a positive impact on my youth development
Read MoreRead Our Stories
Jacintha is a proud Bronze and Silver Award holder from Ontario who has overcome challenges, accomplished goals, and discovered her passion.
Pandemic Participant, Jacintha’s Award Story
February 24, 2023Jacintha was an active member prior to the Award but has learned the Award doesn’t compare because of its variety and values. The Duke of Edinburgh Award program teaches the value of hard work, fosters the importance of relationships, and gaining connections with community members, and has witnessed how passion can truly be turned into purpose. As a freshman in High School, Jacintha successfully completed the Bronze Award. She had such a great experience in all areas of the Award which motivated her to continue to the Silver Award.
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