# Girl Scout Gold Award

Highest Girl Scout honor. 80-hour leadership project.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Girl Scouts USA |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | 2027-07-01 |
| Eligibility | Grades 9–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Check official site |
| Apply | https://www.girlscouts.org/ |

## About this program

The **Girl Scout Gold Award** is the highest achievement in Girl Scouts, designed for teens who want to lead a sustained, meaningful project that addresses a real community need. Participants design and carry out an **80-hour leadership project**, taking responsibility for planning, implementation, and follow-through. Candidates work with community partners, mentors, and their Girl Scout council to identify an issue, research root causes, and develop a solution that can continue to make an impact over time.

This program is best suited for **self-motivated high school students** who are interested in leadership, community service, and project management, and who are ready to take on a long-term, independent challenge. Through the process, participants build skills in areas such as:

- **Leadership and team coordination**  
- **Organization, time management, and goal-setting**  
- **Communication and public speaking**  
- **Problem-solving and community engagement**

Earning the Gold Award can strengthen **college and scholarship applications**, as it demonstrates initiative, perseverance, and the ability to complete a complex project from start to finish. Admissions officers and scholarship committees often recognize the Gold Award as a significant leadership achievement. Interested students should visit the Girl Scouts USA website or contact their local council for details on eligibility, required training, and the approval process.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Girl Scout Gold Award cost?

Girl Scout Gold Award is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### What is the application deadline for Girl Scout Gold Award?

The application deadline is July 1, 2027. Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for Girl Scout Gold Award?

Girl Scout Gold Award is open to high school students in grades 9–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Girl Scout Gold Award online or in person?

Girl Scout Gold Award is an in-person program.

### How do I apply to Girl Scout Gold Award?

Apply directly through Girl Scouts USA's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-04.
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