Awards and Scholarships

You’ve got what it takes to make a lasting impact

Get started by earning one of the Highest Awards in Girl Scouts!

You’re ready to make the world a better place. Show everyone how you’ll do it by earning the Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards. Each award will challenge you and helps you take action in a big way.

Gold Award

Seniors and Ambassadors: Make a lasting impact in the world with Girl Scouting’s highest award.

Silver Award

Cadettes: Identify an issue, make a plan, and take action to improve your community.

Bronze Award

Juniors: Team up with fellow Girl Scouts and work together to make a difference in your neighborhood.

Changemaker Award

Developed in 2020 by GSCCC, the Changemaker Award is a puzzle made up of a set of four patches, and each piece of the puzzle represents the highest award a Girl Scout has earned for her grade level. Girl Scout Juniors who have earned their Bronze Award receive the Bronze Award patch. Girl Scout Cadettes who have earned their Silver Award receive the Silver Award patch. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who have earned their Gold Award receive the Gold Award patch. If a Girl Scout earns all three, the final “GSCCC CHANGEMAKER” piece is awarded.

Girl Scout scholarship recipient at an awards ceremony with adult volunteers

Scholarships

From STEM programs to art contests, you have access to great ways to help pay for your future.

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Special Awards

Work to earn these other special awards and pins, or nominate a Girl Scout for one of these honors.

Buck Harris Award toggle arrow

This award is named after Georgie “Buck” Harris who served as the executive director of what was then the Virginia Tidewater Area Council of Girl Scouts, (now called the Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast), and was director of Camp Matoaka, a Girl Scout camp in Suffolk, until she retired in 1972. When the award was initiated, the following was written: “A person strong in the spirit and the adventure of Girl Scouting, Buck Harris has left a legacy to our Council. Her gentleness, love and stewardship of our land and campsites, her infinite store of nature’s knowledge have been given freely for the Girl Scouting she loves.”

The award is presented at GSCCC’s Girl Awards celebration each year. The recipient will receive a framed certificate and will be able to select a week at a GSCCC-sponsored summer camp. Award submissions are accepted on a rolling basis; for recognition submit by March 31.

Buck Harris Award Brochure

Buck Harris Award Nomination Form

For questions about the Buck Harris Award contact Customer Care.

Community Service Bars toggle arrow

Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors can earn the Community Service Bar for providing service in their community and for service to Girl Scouts. Pre-approval of your community service agency is not required. Complete this survey to submit your completed community service hours to Council.

The Congressional Award toggle arrow

The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ only non-profit and highest honor for youth civilians. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. The program is open to all 14- to 23-year-olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas; Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. This award requires registering before beginning. (Girls may earn the Congressional Award for the same project they plan to use for their Girl Scout Gold or Silver Award.)

President’s Environmental Youth Award toggle arrow

The President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects developed by K-12 youth. The PEYA program promotes awareness of our nation's natural resources and encourages positive community involvement. Each year the PEYA program honors a wide variety of projects developed by students and youth organizations to promote environmental awareness and action in schools and communities.

Learn more at epa.gov.

President’s Volunteer Service Award toggle arrow

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded this award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. It honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. The award is open to children and adults ages 5 and up. GSCCC is a Certifying Agency. Applications may be made at any time during the year by sending your eligibility information to customercare@gsccc.org.

Learn more at presidentialserviceawards.gov.

Girl Scouts who were high school graduates, including many Gold Award recipients, bridged to Adult members in a special ceremony at the 2026 event.

2026 Girl Awards Celebration

Girl Scouts are recognized each year for highest awards, special Council awards and scholarships.

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