BofA Student Leaders vs Congressional Award: Which Program Is Right for You?
One is selective, the other is earned: Bank of America Student Leaders is a competitive award that places a handful of students from each market into paid nonprofit internships plus a DC summit; the Congressional Award has no selection at all — any student who logs the service, fitness, development, and expedition hours earns Bronze through Gold. Student Leaders signals selection; the Congressional Award Gold Medal signals four years of documented follow-through.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Bank of America Student Leaders Program and The Congressional Award Program. A blank row is a fact we do not hold — not a zero, and not a no.
| BofA Student Leaders | Congressional Award | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $35 | |
| Application deadline | ||
| Grade eligibility | Grades 11–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person | Online |
| Location | USA | Washington, DC, USA |
| Program dates | September 1, 2025 | |
| Application destination | about.bankofamerica.com | congressionalaward.org |
| Organizer | Bank of America | The Congressional Award Foundation |
Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Full BofA Student Leaders details, FAQs, and application link
The Congressional Award Program
Full Congressional Award details, FAQs, and application link
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, BofA Student Leaders or Congressional Award?
Congressional Award: $35. Confirm each figure on the program's official page before budgeting.
Can I apply to both BofA Student Leaders and Congressional Award?
The application destinations are evaluated independently. BofA Student Leaders: about.bankofamerica.com. Congressional Award: congressionalaward.org. Review each provider's current instructions before assuming either application is open or compatible with the other.
Which is better for college applications, BofA Student Leaders or Congressional Award?
We do not rank enrichment programs by admissions value. Use the comparison to assess whether each program's documented constraints fit your situation, and check the details that decide it for you on each program's official page.
What grades can apply to BofA Student Leaders and Congressional Award?
BofA Student Leaders: Grades 11–12. Congressional Award: Grades 9–12. Eligibility can change between cycles, so confirm it on each program's official page before applying.
