Welcome to ONTARIO
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award empowers young people, ages 14 to 24, to give back to their communities, explore their interests and passions, commit to their health and wellness, and gain an appreciation for the natural environment. Duke of Ed is about individual challenge and developing a sense of commitment. With guidance from Award Leaders and assessors, young Canadians are given 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 Division supports over 18,000 young people in their journeys to set and achieve goals and to become the best versions of themselves. Find out more about the Award and its phenomenal impacts for youth and your community.
Taking on the Award challenge? Find resources to Start, Do, and Get your Award! Click here for Participant Resources.
If you are ready to start your Award, register here!
CALLING ALL CURRENT PARTICIPANTS! Summer is here and you may not have access to your school email. To keep up with newsletters, Award ceremonies and more, make sure to update your email on your ORB account.
Award Leaders guide and mentor youth through their Awards, helping the newest generation become committed citizens of the world. Find out more about the role of an Award Leader and check out our Award Leader Resources.
Ready to start a new Award Unit or sign up as an Award Leader visit the Online Record Book
If you cannot find the information you need, please contact our office– we are here to help! There is no question too big or too small.
What is The Duke of Ed?
Not All Learning Happens in the Classroom
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Participants
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award challenges young people to develop the character, skills and confidence they need to improve themselves and their communities, by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone and build positive habits that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.
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 your interests, abilities, and ambitions, then set challenges for yourself in the four different sections of the Award. These challenges become the goals you aspire to reach and require persistence and determination to achieve. This Award is all about individual challenge. We want you to work at your own pace.
Through the Award, you can be empowered with not just the confidence but the desire to create meaningful change, to find your purpose, passion and place in the world.
Why do the Award? - How participating in the Award can help you!
Who can do the Award? - Is the Award right for you?
Start the Award– Requirements and registration information to start your Award.
Do the Award– Everything you need to know about how to do your Award, from picking assessors to planning your Adventurous Journey, and everything in between!
More Resources to help you with your Duke of Ed Journey
One of the best resources for Participants is our Participant Handbook. It has all of the information you need to plan your Award.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by your Award? Don’t worry, you got this! Click here for 10 tips to help you move through your Duke of Ed!
You can also reach out to your Award Leader or Ontario division staff to connect, ask questions and get the support you need.
Cadets, Guides and Scouts! Did you know that your some of your activities can count for the Duke of Ed? Talk to your unit or squadron leader and check out some of our resources for Army Cadet, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets, and Junior Rangers.
ACHIEVING THE AWARD – Ready to submit your Award for approval? Make sure to visit this page for submission requirements, forms, and process OR watch our short and easy video to see how.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Award Leaders
"This Award tells a story about commitment, perseverance, and rising to many challenges. We want the spirit of discovery and adventure to carry on through their adult lives." Chris, Award Leader
Information on this page is designed for adults who are thinking about becoming an Award Leader for the Duke of Ed.
Click here to access the Award Leader Handbook.
If you are a Participant who would like more information about the Award, click here.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
News and Events
EVENTS
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Supporters
THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SUPPORTERS
- BMO
- RBC
- TD
- Webster Foundation
- Duke Pubs
- Ontario Trillium Foundation
Event Sponsors and Supporters:
- BNY Mellon
- CIBC Mellon
- Westjet
- Porter Escapes
- Progressive
- Brain Station
Thank you to our funders, donors, sponsors, and providers of gifts-in-kind for investing in the young people of today and leaders of tomorrow by supporting The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Ontario Division
The Award is organized into divisions and operates in all provinces and territories of Canada. At the provincial level, our divisions receive support from many small businesses, legions, service clubs, and individuals, who are looking for a way to give back to the community. Offering support on the provincial level is very rewarding. You see first-hand how your support is giving young people in Ontario the opportunity to challenge themselves and live the achievement of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
As a supporter, your donation provides Canadian youth the opportunity to develop the character, skills, and confidence they need to improve themselves and their communities, by encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone and build positive habits. Through the Award, young people can be empowered with the confidence and desire to create meaningful change; to find their purpose, passion, and place in the world.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support the Award, please contact the Ontario Division at jneedham@dukeofed.org.
Thank you for giving generously
The success and strength of our Annual Giving Campaign directly affect the opportunities available for our participants. Every gift is important and truly appreciated.
Annual Giving
Annual Giving provides The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award with the funds required to ensure that all young people across the province, 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 communities in need, ensuring that leaders and volunteers are well trained, who in turn can support Participants as they set their own goals and work towards achieving them in a safe and supportive environment.
How to make an annual donation:
Please complete the Annual Giving Form and return to:
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
156 Front Street West, Suite 402
Toronto, ON, M5J 2L6
Endowment Fund
A donation to our Endowment Fund will be a permanent tribute to the program and gift that gives year after year. Cheques should be sent to the Award office with Endowment Fund in the memo line. To make a donation to the Endowment Fund online, click here.
Gift of Securities
Securities may be transferred directly to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award account by downloading and completing a Gift of Securities Transfer Form.
Completed forms should be faxed to the Award Office at 416-203-0676.
For more information, contact the Award office at 416-203- 2282, or by e-mail at ontario@dukeofed.org.
Matching Gifts
Many companies will match employee gifts - a simple way to make an even greater difference. To find out if you are eligible, please inquire with your company and forward the forms to the Award office for completion.
United Way:
Please consider including The Duke of Edinburgh's Award as part of your United Way commitment. You will need to include Charitable Registration # 12608 1884 RR0001.
Selfless 16
Duke of Ed is proud to partner with Selfless 16™, an initiative founded by Award Achiever Soheila Mosun. Selfless 16 is an inspirational youth movement that has quickly captured the attention of youth and educators. Armed with the desire to drive awareness for community causes and to encourage self-reflection amongst her peers, Soheila started Selfless 16.
With the help of its ambassadors, Selfless 16 is inspiring and encouraging young adults to give back to their communities through a milestone event in their lives – their sixteenth birthday. Selfless 16 believes that celebrating one’s sixteenth birthday is not only a time of celebration but also a time for self-reflection. It is when a young adult starts to think about what is truly valuable in life, what kind of an adult one wants to become, and what positive impact one wants to make in the world.
Selfless 16 celebrations can be celebrated throughout the year and there will be annual celebrations hosted by high schools, families, and friends all over the world. Get involved with your school, Duke of Ed group or just with a group of friends and earn hours towards your Duke of Ed Award.
For more information visit www.selfless16.com.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Together We Can Empower Ontario Youth
“Thank you for making experiences and programs like this possible. It has pushed me to be able to set goals and work twice as hard to accomplish them." Gemma - Silver Award Participant
Donations like yours provide The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in Ontario with the funds required to ensure that all young people across the country regardless of social, economic or geographical background, have the opportunity to participate in the Award.
It is thanks to the ongoing generosity of corporate and private donors, foundations and service organizations, that the Award is able to provide the support to priority communities in Ontario, ensuring that leaders and volunteers are well trained, who in turn can support Participants as they set their own goals and work towards achieving them in a safe and supportive environment.