The Award equips young Canadians for life. 

We believe that not all learning happens in the classroom. In fact we believe that some of life's biggest lessons happen in the least likely locations. This is how our framework helps young people discover a talent, trait or passion at which they can excel, giving them the confidence to take their future in stride.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global program with the goal of challenging, empowering and recognizing young people between the ages of 14 and 24. From coast to coast to coast since 1963, we have helped motivate young Canadians to set goals and challenge themselves to take control of their lives and futures. The classroom is not the only place to nurture the potential of one of our country’s greatest natural resources – our youth. We strive to reach young Canadians in communities across the country and provide a platform that helps them chart their individual lives and equips them with important life skills.

Today, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award - Canada can be found right across the country, engaging over 42,000 young people and over 2,600 Award Leaders annually. Our program is run in cities, rural and remote areas, through government and independent schools, universities and colleges, and a wide range of organizations such as Cadets, Scouts, Girl Guides, Indigenous youth groups, new immigrant support programs, sports clubs, employers, youth detention centres and community youth organizations.

What drives us

Our Award program challenges young Canadians to develop skills and tools to improve themselves and their communities by encouraging them to go beyond their comfort zone. Many young people, through lack of confidence, opportunity or education, feel incapable of affecting real change in their communities. Our unique program is designed to help them discover that they are more capable and powerful than they ever dreamed.

Our Mission

To give Canadians aged 14-24 a supportive, non-competitive youth development platform that deepens self-awareness, builds confidence and broadens skills and experience to further their growth as active, responsible citizens. 

Our Vision

To inspire and promote lifelong improvement for all young Canadians by encouraging personal development and achievement.

Our Philosophy

The Duke of Ed is about individual challenge and developing a sense of commitment. With guidance from Award Leaders, Assessors or other Award volunteers, each young person is encouraged to examine themselves, their 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 overcome.  ​