Welcome
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Alberta, Northwest Territories & Nunavut
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (the Award) - is the world's leading youth leadership and self-development framework, founded in the philosophy that personal empowerment is best achieved through community engagement. The Award framework encourages goal-setting and connects young people to opportunities in the areas of community service, physical recreation, skill development and outdoor exploration as an approach to building their confidence and increasing their leadership capacity. It’s an approach that works. From its humble beginnings with marginalized youth from East London in the U.K., the Award has expanded to 133 countries with over seven million participants worldwide, including 37,000 in Canada and over 6,500 in Alberta.
The Award is available to all young people aged 14 to 25 from all walks of life, regardless of ability, gender identification or socio-economic standing. Our division works hard to make sure that any young person interested in the Award is accommodated and supported on their journey to completing the Award. Ultimately the Award opens doors that lead young people to live their best possible lives.
THE AWARD IS COMPLETED IN THREE LEVELS AND IS COMPRISED OF FIVE COMPONENTS
*The Gold Project requirement is only for the Gold Award level.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award offers the highest recognition in Canada for young people who meet their goals and challenges. The Bronze Award is presented by local community leaders; the Silver Award is presented by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. The Gold Award is presented to achievers by a member of the Royal Family or the Governor General of Canada.
Alberta, Northwest Territories & Nunavut Division
As a division, we are here to guide and support participants through their journey to achieving Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. We are available to help participants and award leaders get connected to activities and opportunities that will challenge and encourage young people to explore their unique potential. Reach out to us at any time for assistance, we are happy to help!
Our Impact
Young people make positive changes to their lives and communities by participating in the Award. Our impact framework identifies these impacts and how the Award measures up against them.
We Need Your Support
Our division has become one of the fastest growing in the country, and we look forward to continuing to extend our reach and work towards achieving our ambition to provide every young person within our area with the opportunity to participate in the Award! Every $150 connects youth to the many benefits that the Award Program provides. Visit the Donate section of our website to learn more.
Help & FAQs
Can't find what you are looking for or need a few questions answered about the Award? Then send us an email admin@theaward.ca or check out FAQs. We are here to help.
If you have lost your certificate, pin, or handbook and want to replace it please visit FAQs.
Thanks To Our Sponsors
We would like to thank our generous sponsors, who are helping to Make a Difference in the lives of young people in Alberta, The North West Territories and Nunavut. If you would like to become a donor on a regional level to Make a Difference in the lives of young people in your community, please visit the Supporters section of our website or send us an email.
Media
Check out our News and Events page to read the latest Newsletter, keep up to date with the latest contests, social events and scholarship opportunities. Join our Mailing list! Sign up to get interesting news and updates delivered to your inbox!
Please take a moment to complete our Social Event Survey.
Donate
Help Support Youth in Alberta, Northwest Territories & Nunuvat
The Duke Of Edinburgh's International Award
Donations like yours provide The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award with the funds required to ensure that all young people across Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, regardless of social, economic or geographical background, have the opportunity to participate in the Program. It is thanks to the on-going generosity of corporate and private donors, foundations and service organizations, that the Award is able to provide the necessary support to the hard to serve and hard to reach communities. Ensuring that leaders and volunteers are well trained, and in turn can support participants as they set their own goals and work towards achieving them in a safe and supportive environment. See Donation Details Below.
SOME OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2017
- The program has expanded to include over 300 communities across Alberta
- Over 40% of participants reside in rural and remote areas
- 77 new groups enrolled and with over 97 new volunteer mentors trained
- 1332 new participants enrolled in the program as compared to 998 in 2016.
- 419 participants completed the program and received their Award, up from 337 from 2016
DONATE TO THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD IN CANADA, AB, NT & NU DIVISION:
Let's Do This – Together!
Requirements & Registration Information To Start Your Journey!
Let’s do this! The Award is about individual challenge and developing a sense of commitment. With guidance from Award Leaders, Assessors and other Award volunteers, you are encouraged to examine yourself, your interests, abilities, and ambitions, then set challenges in the four different sections of the Award. These challenges become the goals young people aspire to reach and require persistence and determination to achieve. This program is all about individual challenge. We want you to work at your own pace.
"... I have gained the sense that I am putting myself "out there" more... my involvement with [the Award] has led to the maturity I have and has motivated me to continue the many extra-curricular activities that I am involved with."
– Sampson M., Bronze Award Achiever
Registering is the first step towards earning your Award, follow the step-by-step guideline below to learn how to sign up, how to achieve your Award, and how to plan your adventure.
STEP ONE - Registration
Every Participant doing the program is required to be registered through their Division office. Hours spent on activities completed before registration cannot be counted towards the Award and registration dates cannot be backdated. Each young person doing the Award needs to be registered.
Sign up online with ORB - The Online Record Book (ORB) is a web platform that allows participants to record their activities and submit their Awards. It also allows Award Leaders to monitor participants’ progress and approve submitted Awards.
There is a $50 Registration Fee for each level of the program.
Want to sign up a group of participants?
STEP TWO - Achieving The Award
THE AWARD IS COMPLETED IN THREE LEVELS AND IS COMPRISED OF FIVE COMPONENTS
*The Gold Project requirement is only for the Gold Award level.
AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE, HOW TO COMPLETE YOUR AWARD
- You can start at any Award level as long as you meet the minimum age requirements.
- Starting the Award at the Silver or Gold level is known as Direct Entry.
- All activities must be completed by the Participant's 25th birthday.
STEP THREE - Ready To Submit
Once your Award level requirements have been completed, be sure to submit your documents. Click on the link below to review the Submission Checklist to make sure you have everything needed to complete your Award.
STEP FOUR - What's Next?
Now that you’ve received your award, what’s next?
- Add your Award to your resume, and any university and/or scholarship applications. For more information on how to do this, click here.
- Follow us on LinkedIn and join our Alumni Group.
- Give Back; become a mentor! To learn more, send us an email abnwtnu@dukeofed.org
Questions? Give us a call!
Graham McKelvie
Program Officer – Calgary
Phone: (403) 237-7476
Address: 560, 1201 5th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0Y6
Email Graham
Diana Cretu
Program Officer – Edmonton
Phone: (780) 729-4279
Address: 560, 1201 5th Street SW, Calgary, AB T3C 2G3
Email Diana
Sophie Kirby
Program Officer – Yellowknife
Phone: (867) 446-2804
Address: PO Box 1964, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P5
Email Sophie
Youth Resiliency Program
The Youth Resiliency Project (YRP) is a response to the need for innovative, flexible, effective youth programming that promotes and supports successful intervention, reintegration, and development for youth involved in the justice system.
Award Leader
Who are Award Leaders?
A leader is a person who works or volunteers with youth as part of a larger organization, such as a school, Scouts, Guides, Cadets, or community organization. Leaders should have the opportunity to meet regularly with participants and be available to support the youth as they work towards their Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. All Award Leaders can access registration, training and resource materials with their Division Office.
The Award Leader’s aim is to help young people within their group to earn their Award and be recognized for their achievement. Leaders can be a great help in coordinating the Adventurous Journey, but do not have to as part of their leadership.
An Award Leader's Role:
COMPLETING TRAINING
Participate in Award Leader Training. Contact your local Award Officer to register.
REGISTERING PARTICIPANTS
The Individual Registration Form and the Group Registration Form can both be found online under Participants. Individual participants can submit their form online or by mail, while group registrations can be submitted only by mail.
HELPING PARTICIPANTS GET STARTED
- Help participants organize activities that count towards Award levels
- Communicate with the Award Office as needed
OFFERING MENTORSHIP & SUPPORTING PARTICIPANTS AS THEY WORK TO COMPLETE THEIR AWARD LEVELS
- Instruct youth on how to enter events in the activity log correctly (either in the record book or online)
- Assess or review Award submissions, and guide participants where necessary
ABIDING BY ALL POLICIES SET OUT BY THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’ INTERNATIONAL AWARD
This includes but is not limited to: the National Abuse Policy, National Risk Management Policy and National Branding policy, and the Award Standards.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
- Attend Award Ceremonies
- Share success stories and news about your group and participants with your divisional office
- Present achievement pins and in some cases Bronze certificates
What’s the benefit of becoming an Award Leader?
Good question! Besides engaging with youth and aiding in their development of new skills, self-confidence, and a greater appreciation of the environment and community around them; you are building up your own skill set and resume with internationally recognized experience.
LIABILITY
Leaders and the organizations they represent are responsible for ensuring all criminal record checks and vulnerable sector screenings are up to date and that appropriate insurance is in place for any activities that the group undertakes. Organizations without these elements in place cannot run an Award Group Unit. However, youth in any organization can still participate in the Award as an Independent Participant.
News & Events
Career Opportunities
There are currently no career opportunities at this time.
Newsletters
Learning Opportunities
Scholarship opportunity for Alberta residents between the ages of 16 and 17 and-a-half, to study in an international setting for 2 years.
Alberta Scholarships
https://studentaid.alberta.ca/scholarships/alberta-scholarships.aspx?
Socials
There are currently no socials planned at this time
Career Opportunities
SUMMER INTERNS
We're Hiring! Are you looking for a great gig this summer? We're looking for two amazing student interns to join our team from May to August: a Data Management Officer and a Youth Engagement & Communications Officer. Click below for job descriptions and how to apply:
Career Opportunities
SUMMER INTERNS
We're Hiring! Are you looking for a great gig this summer? We're looking for two amazing student interns to join our team from May to August: a Data Management Officer and a Youth Engagement & Communications Officer. Click below for job descriptions and how to apply:
Career Opportunities
SUMMER INTERNS
We're Hiring! Are you looking for a great gig this summer? We're looking for two amazing student interns to join our team from May to August: a Data Management Officer and a Youth Engagement & Communications Officer. Click below for job descriptions and how to apply:
Career Opportunities
SUMMER INTERNS
We're Hiring! Are you looking for a great gig this summer? We're looking for two amazing student interns to join our team from May to August: a Data Management Officer and a Youth Engagement & Communications Officer. Click below for job descriptions and how to apply:
Board
Alberta Divisional Council 2018
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Council members are all volunteers who provide us with unique professional skill sets, insight and a vast amount of experience. Some of these specialized skill sets entail; marketing, fundraising, finance, and governance.
If you have a specialized skill and the time to commit and would like to volunteer for one of the Boards or committees, please contact our office.
Chairman
The Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, CM, AOE, LLD,
Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
Vice Chair
The Honourable Margaret M. Thom
Commissioner of the Northwest Territories
Government of the Northwest Territories
Vice Chair
The Honourable Nellie Kusugak
Commissioner of Nunavut
Government of Nunavut
Mrs. Nancy L. Jarjour Szabo B.A., LL.B.
President
Mr. Al-Karim Khimji
Past-President
Mr. Trevor Church
Treasurer
Mr. James Walls
Director
Mr. Doug MacDonald
Director
Mr. Lawrence Ward
Director
Ms. Karen Poirier
Director
Mr. Scott Birchall
Director
Ms. Clare Smart
Director
Ms. Beth (Cole) Pollock
Director
Meet The Team
Office Hours:
We spend time throughout the Division. Our general office hours are:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Please call or email before visiting the office to ensure we are here to greet you.
Staff Contact
Youth Resiliency Project
ROBYN WEBSTER
Program Officer | Youth Resiliency Project – Edmonton
Email Robyn
CHANTEL BENDER
Program Officer | Youth Resiliency Project – Calgary
Email Chantel
Admin
For all general inquiries:
Email Admin
Address
Suite 560
1201 5th Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2R 0Y6
Phone
Calgary – (403) 237-7476
Edmonton – (780) 729-4279
Charitable Registration Number
11589 3489 RR0001
Youth Resiliency Project
The Youth Resiliency Project (YRP) is a response to the need for innovative, flexible, effective youth programming that promotes and supports successful intervention, reintegration, and development for youth involved in the justice system. Utilizing the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award framework as an outline, youth participating in the YRP are guided and mentored through community partnerships. By enabling and facilitating greater community participation, the project aims to foster personal growth and development in the lives of criminally involved youth between the ages of 14-17.
"This Award is the only thing I'm taking out of here, I'm leaving everything else behind me."
– Bronze Achiever, EYOC
With generous funding from the Department of Justice Canada, our division has been afforded the opportunity to create the Youth Resiliency Project. The YRP is pleased to offer funding for participant enrolment fee, activity costs and materials associated with the Award journey.
"In the last week, my girlfriend and my brother told me they were proud of me for all the stuff I'm getting involved in. No one has told me that before."
– Bronze Participant
The Award offers non-formal education framework in which young people set their own targets, and choose the activities in which they want to participate in the areas of developing skills, keeping physically active, giving service and experiencing adventure. It can be adopted and fitted to the needs of other programs, such as the ones present in correctional facilities. The Award is participant-centred and can play a critical role in young people’s development during their time in correctional facilities and after their release.
“New insight sheds light on the impact of the Award in Correctional Facilities”
Published on December 15, 2017, click here to read the article.
At Nelson Mandela’s request, the Award was introduced in correctional centres in South Africa in 1994. Since this time The President's Award for Youth Empowerment reports having enrolled over 40,000 young offenders aged 14-18 into the program. Young offenders interviewed after their experience with the Award described positive changes in their behaviour and attitude and reported that, as a result of being involved in the Award, they learnt a range of new skills and had been afforded positive experiences they had never had before.
Research has shown young offenders’ participation in the Award results in a positive shift in attitudes towards reoffending, higher levels of victim empathy and a heightened awareness of the importance of helping. These Award participants experience increased confidence, communication skills and respect for others, as well as improved relationships with peers and staff.
"The Duke of Edinburgh has helped me push past my self-fulfilling road blocks and has taught me resiliency and perseverance."
– Bronze Achiever
Youth Resiliency Project Officers invite all interested parties to connect to further discuss the project and the enrollment process and would be glad to answer any other questions.
Contact us today!
ROBYN WEBSTER
Program Officer | Youth Resiliency Project – Edmonton
Phone: 780-266-1988
Address: 111, 4515 Bow Trail SW, Calgary AB T3C 2G3
Email Robyn
CHANTEL BENDER
Program Officer | Youth Resiliency Project – Calgary
Phone: 587-579-3985
Address: 111, 4515 Bow Trail SW, Calgary AB T3C 2G3
Email Chantel