Expanding Access Through Our RAP Program

At The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada, we believe that every young person deserves the chance to explore their potential, develop new skills, and discover their purpose. The Award gives them the structure to do just that, and our Registered Activity Providers program is helping make it more accessible than ever before.

What is a Registered Activity Provider?

Registered Activity Providers (RAPs) are organizations that deliver experiences that meet the Award’s standards for one or more sections: Skill, Physical Recreation, Volunteering, or Adventurous Journey.

These organizations go through an approval process and sign an agreement with the Award to ensure their programs align with our framework. Once approved, they can proudly identify themselves as Registered Activity Providers; partners that young people and Award Centres can trust to offer meaningful, high-quality opportunities that count toward the Award.

RAPs could take many forms. For example, some options may include:

• A sports club helping participants reach their Physical Recreation goals;
• A music, art, or STEM program supporting the Skills section;
• A community organization connecting youth with volunteering placements;
• An outdoor education group guiding Adventurous Journeys.

This structure makes it easy for schools, community groups, and independent participants to find credible, Award-aligned opportunities in their area, while also giving organizations a meaningful way to connect their work to a global youth development movement.

Why We Introduced the RAP Program

The RAP program grew out of a simple but powerful idea: young people shouldn’t face barriers when it comes to accessing the Award.

As our network expanded, we heard from Award Leaders and participants across Canada that while interest was high, local capacity and resources could sometimes limit what could be offered within a single school or youth group. Meanwhile, organizations across the country were already delivering enriching activities perfectly suited to the Award framework, they just needed a bridge to connect with participants.

By creating the Registered Activity Providers program, we:

• Reduce barriers for youth by offering ready-made, Award-aligned opportunities in their communities.
• Support schools and Award Centres that may not have the staff, time, or expertise to organize every component of the Award themselves.
• Build stronger partnerships with organizations that share our mission of holistic youth development.
• Enhance consistency and quality assurance across the country and beyond, through clear standards and a shared understanding of the Award’s outcomes.

In short, RAPs allow us to extend the reach of the Award without compromising on quality, creating a network of partners all working toward the same goal: helping young people succeed.

Growing Across Canada

The RAP program is already making an impact, with a growing network of partners from all kinds of sectors. From international providers to national youth organizations, local nonprofits, and small businesses. Our goal is to keep expanding this network so that every province and territory has a strong base of Registered Activity Providers, making the Award accessible to every young person, no matter where they live or learn.

Looking Ahead

We’re proud of how the RAP program is expanding opportunities for young people while strengthening community connections. Over the coming years, we’ll continue to refine the program, provide more tools and support for our partners, and celebrate the incredible work they do to empower youth through experiential learning.

If your organization offers activities that help young people learn, grow, or give back, whether in sports, arts, service, or the outdoors, we invite you to join us as a Registered Activity Provider. Together, we can ensure that every young person in Canada has the opportunity to challenge themselves, build resilience, and realize their potential through the Award.

Learn more about becoming one of our Registered Activity Providers

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