Gold Award Girl Scouts

Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and the doers who take “make the world a better place” to the next level. Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9-12) who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are dear to them and drive lasting change in their communities and beyond. Read about local Gold Award Girl Scouts

The Girl Scout Gold Award is open to Girl Scout Seniors (grades 9–10) and Ambassadors (grades 11–12), and is the most prestigious award in Girl Scouts. It asks them to draw upon all the skills they have learned through Girl Scouts including critical thinking, project management, financial planning, risk reduction, problem solving, time management, active leadership, teamwork and service.

This award is difficult to earn, taking at least 80 hours, but once you’ve earned it, your rate for success in life and your ability to reach any goal will soar. Colleges, employers, your peers, and your community will see that you have what it takes to get big things done!

Gold Award Guidelines (PDF)
*Please note that reports and project tracking must be completed at GoGold.GirlScouts.org

Steps to Earn the Gold Award

Complete two Senior/Ambassador Journey including the Take Action Projects (An earned Silver Award will count in place of one Journey).
Get Started: Complete the Gold Award Online Self Training within six months of submitting your project proposal.
Be Prepared: Download and read the Girl Scouts River Valleys' Gold Award guidelines and save for future reference.
Draft Your Proposal: Create a Go Gold Online account, and follow the steps to draft your project proposal.
Check Your Work: Make sure it meeks the Girl Scouts River Valleys Gold Award Rubric (PDF) before you submit.
Finish Your Poposal: Go Gold will send emials to your troop leader and project advisor for approval.
Get a Mentor: Go Gold sends your proposal to Girl Scouts River Valleys who reviews your pre-requisites and connects you with a mentor.
Get Approval: Your mentor will meet to discuss your proposal, offer suggestions for improvement and verify it meets Girl Scouts of the USA requirements. You may be asked to provide more details or make revisions to your proposal.
Get Going: Once your project is approved, take action to carry out your project! Your mentor will check in with you regularly and is available to answer questions. Make sure to update your Go Gold timeline and budget.
Submit Your Final Report: Reflect on your hard work and turn in your completed Gold Award Final Report through Go Gold Online by September 30 following your 12th grade year for review and approval to officially receive your Girl Scout Gold Award. Once approved, you are eligible to apply for the Girl Scouts River Valleys Gold Award Scholarship.
Celebrate Your Achievements: reflect, and share your accomplishments with your community! View our Gold Award Press Kit for tips on how to reach out to local newspapers or online publications.

How Volunteers Support Gold Awards

Offer the Gold Award option to Girl Scouts in your troop.
Be there if the Girl Scout asks for help.
Stand back and let the Girl Scout learn, grow and find success.
Help celebrate their accomplishments throughout their Gold Award journey, both big and small.
Celebrate with your Girl Scout(s) as they receive pins at the council-led celebration event.

Inspiring Gold Award Stories