Youth - Getting Started

Follow These Steps

Step 1: Register

Complete the Registration Form on this web page. Submit the Registration From and then send the $10 fee and a signed waiver to:

The Congressional Award Foundation
PO Box 77440
Washington, DC 20013
(202) 226-0130

You only have to register one time, and the minimum age to register is 13^1/2.

Step 2: Set Your Goals

Choose an advisor
Work with your advisor to:

• Study the program guidelines;
• Review the Record Book;
• Develop goal statements; and
• Choose activities to accomplish your goals.

Once your advisor has approved your goals, you may begin working to achieve them

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Step 3: Work Toward Your Goals

Work at your own pace. There are no deadlines. Record your achievements in the Record Book.

Select a validator for each goal to:

• Certify that you satisfactorily performed the activities; and
• Sign your record book acknowledging that you achieved your goal in a specific program area.

When finished with the required hours for this level, complete all parts of your Record Book and ask your advisor to sign the first page. Your advisor's signature will certify that your goals were met in each of the four program areas. Make a copy of the Record Book for you and your advisor.

Submit your completed Record Book and any supporting material to the same individual or organization that got you involved in The Congressional Award Program. This may be your Sponsoring Organization, local Congressional Award Council, or:

The Congressional Award Foundation
PO Box 77440
Washington, DC 20013

Step 4: Receive your Award

You will receive a letter of approval from The Congressional Award Foundation. Soon thereafter, you will learn when you will receive your certificate or medal. In the meantime, keep working toward the next level.

Step 5: Move to the next level

Work with your advisor to either set new goals or plan additional activities for your current goals. Remember, you can carry the hours spent earning one award with you to the next level. You will repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 at each award level. Start working toward your next award immediately. New Record Books can be printed from this web page or received from the Foundation Office.

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