Congressional Award
Encyclopedia
The Congressional Award is an award for young Americans, established by the United States Congress
in 1979 to "recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people." It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive program open to all 14 to 23-year-olds.
The Congressional Award recognizes the setting and meeting of goals in four program areas: Voluntary public service
, personal development, physical fitness
, and expedition/exploration. Based on time commitments to each of the areas, participants earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Certificates; and Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Medals.
The Congressional Award was realized by the passage of Public Law 96-114 The Congressional Award Act. The bill was proposed under the sponsorship of Senator Malcolm Wallop
of Wyoming and Congressman James J. Howard
of New Jersey.
The award is issued by the Congressional Award Foundation (CAF which has been unanimously re-authorized by every Congress and president since Jimmy Carter
and, most recently, on July 7, 2010 by President Barack Obama
. The CAF is a public-private partnership, officially classified as a 501(c) non-profit organization
, funded entirely by private sector donations. Its existence as a public-private partnership and classification as a non-profit make it Congress’ only charity.
As of September 2011, according to the CAF, more than 50,000 youth had registered as participants.
The Congressional Award is Congress’ first and only award specifically for youth. The only other medals awarded by Congress are the Medal of Honor
and the Congressional Gold Medal; and those two medals are not to be confused with the Congressional Award. Also not to be confused with the Congressional Award are those awards affiliated with the International Award Association
, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which despite their similarities and shared history, are no longer affiliated with the Congressional Award.
All youth must register with the Congressional Award to receive their official record book, which must be completed and submitted to earn the Award. When a youth has achieved his or her goals in each Program Area, and met the necessary requirements for each, he or she then submits the completed record book to the National Office where it is reviewed. The youth will then be notified either that they have been approved, or that they need to provide additional information. The National Office works with each youth individually.
Activities that can count toward portions of the Congressional Award include:
Although youth can apply their time in these programs toward the Congressional Award, youth cannot count hours from before their registration. The Congressional Award is not about recognizing past accomplishments, but about goal-setting and achieving those goals.
No partial awards are given; youth must complete each of the four program area requirements for each level (i.e.- youth cannot, for example, earn a Bronze Medal in Personal Development and a Silver Medal in Physical Fitness).
Certificate Levels:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Bronze
! Silver
! Gold
|-
| Voluntary Public Service
| 30
| 60
| 90
|-
| Personal Development
| 15
| 30
| 45
|-
| Physical Fitness
| 15
| 30
| 45
|-
| Expedition/Exploration (Days)
| One
| Two
| Three
|-
| Total Minimum Hours
| 60
| 120
| 180
|}
Medal Levels:
In addition to hour requirements, the Congressional Award also has set minimum month requirements. The month requirements are made to foster a lifestyle of service, rather than a short time of volunteerism. The Congressional Award is a marathon, not a sprint.
Certificate Levels:
Medal Levels:
that does not receive any funding from the federal government. Instead they hold several fundraising events to support the program, most notably: The Congressional Award Chiefs of Staff Annual Golf Classic and The Congressional Award Chiefs of Staff Charity Poker Event.
The Congressional Awards' largest event is the Annual Gold Medal Ceremony, held in the US Capitol. The June ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of Gold Medalists, bringing them together from across the country for a presentation of their Congressional Award Gold Medal by their Member of Congress. Due to the large number of Medalists, there are usually two ceremonies on Capitol Hill on the Gold Medal day.
Accompanying the Gold Medal Ceremony is the Gold Nation Experience, an exciting opportunity for Gold Medalists to create new relationships with other outstanding youth from across the country. The optional program provides medalists with an opportunity to come to Washington, D.C. and see the city together. The Gold Nation Experience usually runs from the week of the Gold Ceremony until the day after. The cost of the Gold Nation Experience is greatly discounted to Medalists due to the fundraising efforts of the CAF; and the majority of the cost is paid by the CAF. However, medalists must provide their own transportation to Washington. The Gold Medal Ceremony also commemorates adults and their participation in youth fund raising and volunteering (See Other Awards).
Past recipients include:
Past recipients include:
The Congressional Award is designed to bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood. Working with adults is one way by which participants can achieve this. Most participants will work with five or more adults throughout the program: one Advisor and four Validators.
In addition to Advisors and Validators, countless adult volunteers promote the Congressional Award Program throughout the country.
audit of the Congressional Award Foundation’s 2005 and 2006 financial statement
s, the office identified
The first "significant" matter referred to various problems, including a serious decline in the foundation's assets: as of September 30, 2006 the value of the foundation's asset had declined to under $8,500. Within a year, the asset value had grown to $125,000. The GAO also noted that the CAF's national director paid over $23,000 to cover the costs of the foundation's Gold Award Ceremony during the CAF's 2006 fiscal year; she was reimbursed for all but $664 by December 2006.
The inconsistency described in the second matter was resolved in the Form 990 and audited financial statements for fiscal year 2006.
Congress created the Congressional Award Fellowship Trust in 1990 to "benefit the charitable and educational purposes of the Foundation"; the CAF withdrew $20,000 from the trust in order to support its 2007 operations.
The Congressional Award has enjoyed financial stability in the subsequent years, and its proactive fundraising initiatives are working to ensure that it will never again face a budget shortfall.
United States Congress
The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress meets in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C....
in 1979 to "recognize initiative, service and achievement in young people." It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive program open to all 14 to 23-year-olds.
The Congressional Award recognizes the setting and meeting of goals in four program areas: Voluntary public service
Community service
Community service is donated service or activity that is performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of the public or its institutions....
, personal development, physical fitness
Physical fitness
Physical fitness comprises two related concepts: general fitness , and specific fitness...
, and expedition/exploration. Based on time commitments to each of the areas, participants earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Certificates; and Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Medals.
The Congressional Award was realized by the passage of Public Law 96-114 The Congressional Award Act. The bill was proposed under the sponsorship of Senator Malcolm Wallop
Malcolm Wallop
Malcolm Wallop was a Republican politician and former three-term United States Senator from Wyoming.-Early years:...
of Wyoming and Congressman James J. Howard
James J. Howard
James John Howard was an American educator and Democratic Party politician who represented in the United States House of Representatives from 1965–1988.-Biography:...
of New Jersey.
The award is issued by the Congressional Award Foundation (CAF which has been unanimously re-authorized by every Congress and president since Jimmy Carter
Jimmy Carter
James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
and, most recently, on July 7, 2010 by President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
. The CAF is a public-private partnership, officially classified as a 501(c) non-profit organization
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
, funded entirely by private sector donations. Its existence as a public-private partnership and classification as a non-profit make it Congress’ only charity.
As of September 2011, according to the CAF, more than 50,000 youth had registered as participants.
The Congressional Award is Congress’ first and only award specifically for youth. The only other medals awarded by Congress are the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
and the Congressional Gold Medal; and those two medals are not to be confused with the Congressional Award. Also not to be confused with the Congressional Award are those awards affiliated with the International Award Association
International Award Association
In 1988, representatives of the Award Programme worldwide founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association ....
, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which despite their similarities and shared history, are no longer affiliated with the Congressional Award.
The Congressional Award Program
After a youth has registered for the program, either online or via mail, they receive a record book to record their progress in the program’s four key program preas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.All youth must register with the Congressional Award to receive their official record book, which must be completed and submitted to earn the Award. When a youth has achieved his or her goals in each Program Area, and met the necessary requirements for each, he or she then submits the completed record book to the National Office where it is reviewed. The youth will then be notified either that they have been approved, or that they need to provide additional information. The National Office works with each youth individually.
The Four Program Areas
The four key Program Areas of the Congressional Award are Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. The emphasis on four diverse Program Areas is intended to mold a well-rounded youth.
Voluntary Public Service
Sharing time and talents for the benefit of others is an important part of the Congressional Award program. This requires sensitivity, perception of need, determination, perseverance and dedication. Voluntary Public Service activities must be performed without pay, compensation or school credit. Service provided to fulfill graduation requirements may be allowed. Youth should provide a direct service, rather than focus on issues. When setting your goals, identify activities that benefit the community at large. Youth may submit a maximum of four different goals (See Goals) per Record Book for Voluntary Public Service.
Personal Development
The purpose of the Personal Development category is to expand youths’ horizons while developing individual interests, social and life skills. The Congressional Award challenges youth to pursue a new interest or advance to a higher level in an ongoing interest through Personal Development activities. Youth may submit a maximum of two different goals per Record Book for Personal Development.
Physical Fitness
Physical well-being is another important part of the Congressional Award. The purpose is for youth to improve their quality of life through participation in fitness activities. The Congressional Award challenges youth to set and achieve a measurable Physical Fitness goal. Goals can involve an activity that the youth has never attempted before or it can be a continuation of a familiar activity at a higher level. Both team sports and individual activities are acceptable so long as the activities lead to an improved performance or greater physical health. Gym class is not acceptable for Physical Fitness. Youth may submit a maximum of two different goals per Record Book for Physical Fitness.
Expedition/Exploration
The Congressional Award allows youth to choose between an Expedition or an Exploration. The aim of an Expedition or Exploration should be to develop a spirit of adventure and discovery. Organizing, planning, training and completing the Expedition or Exploration requires self-reliance, determination and cooperation.
The Expedition or Exploration is a one-time experience that youth plan and execute themselves. It is not an event planned by someone else that youth attend. “Sign up and go” activities such as jamborees, conferences, sport and summer camps, leadership workshops, cruises, college visits, Mission Trips, competitions, retreats and orientations are not appropriate for the Congressional Award Expedition/Exploration. Youth should learn to be responsible for themselves while learning more about our world through first-hand experience in the wilderness or in a new and different culture. Activities completed on an Expedition or Exploration may only be counted in the Expedition/Exploration category of the Award—activities completed on an Expedition or Exploration cannot be counted toward Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development or Physical Fitness.
Expeditions are typically outdoor excursions that include camping, hiking, and wilderness or outdoor activities. This activity usually compels youth to forgo the comforts of home and learn to pack and prepare equipment, set up a tent, and cook food without modern conveniences. Youth may choose to incorporate a scientific study into their Expedition like completing a wildlife survey while on a backpacking trip in a National Park or searching for signs of prehistoric life in a remote area.
Explorations are trips that provide youth with a new cultural experience. These may include living on a farm, traveling to a foreign country, visiting a historical site or exploring a new environment. Explorations involve preliminary research and preparation. Challenges may include language barriers, traveling great distances, or learning new skills.
Values-Added Partnerships
The Congressional Award is a values-added program, meaning that youth can count many of the activities they are already involved with toward portions of the Congressional Award. This option has been further enriched through the Foundation’s partnerships with various youth-related programs.Activities that can count toward portions of the Congressional Award include:
- AmeriCorps NCCC
ASPCA
4-H4-H4-H in the United States is a youth organization administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture of the United States Department of Agriculture , with the mission of "engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development." The name represents...
Big Brothers Big SistersBig Brothers Big SistersBig Brothers Big Sisters may refer to:*Big Brothers Big Sisters of America*Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada*Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City *Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada...
Boys and Girls Clubs
Boy Scouts of AmericaBoy Scouts of AmericaThe Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
Civil Air PatrolCivil Air PatrolCivil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force . CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and...
Girl ScoutsGirl Scouts of the USAThe Girl Scouts of the United States of America is a youth organization for girls in the United States and American girls living abroad. It describes itself as "the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls". It was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 and was organized after Low...
Habitat for Humanity
High school or college sports/clubs outside of the regular school day
HOBYHobyHoby may refer to:* HOBY, a youth organization* Hoby Brenner , former American football tight end* Hoby, a village in Hoby with Rotherby parish, in Leicestershire, EnglandPeople with the surname Hoby:...
People to People InternationalPeople to People InternationalPeople to People International was established on September 11, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, as part of the U.S. Information Agency...
Red Cross
YMCAYMCAThe Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
Although youth can apply their time in these programs toward the Congressional Award, youth cannot count hours from before their registration. The Congressional Award is not about recognizing past accomplishments, but about goal-setting and achieving those goals.
Goals
Youth complete the program through the pursuit and achievement of goals set entirely by themselves. Goals should be broad statements of what youth hope to achieve. Similar activities may be combined to achieve one goal. Youth often set “umbrella goals” —activities that have an underlying connection or similarity— that helps achieve to allow themselves the freedom to complete more than one activity in pursuit of their goal. Goals should not be too broad, however. They must meet the requirements in the Record Book— they need to be worthwhile, measureable, challenging, fulfilling and achievable. Advisors and Validators assist in the goal-setting process.Month and Hour Requirements
The Congressional Award requires youth to complete a set amount of hours in each program area, varying on the certificate or medal level being pursued. Youth work at their own pace and may begin at any level. Youth earn all previous Awards if they earn any higher levels. All hours are cumulative; hours do not reset to zero at each level.No partial awards are given; youth must complete each of the four program area requirements for each level (i.e.- youth cannot, for example, earn a Bronze Medal in Personal Development and a Silver Medal in Physical Fitness).
Certificate Levels:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! Bronze
! Silver
! Gold
|-
| Voluntary Public Service
| 30
| 60
| 90
|-
| Personal Development
| 15
| 30
| 45
|-
| Physical Fitness
| 15
| 30
| 45
|-
| Expedition/Exploration (Days)
| One
| Two
| Three
|-
| Total Minimum Hours
| 60
| 120
| 180
|}
Medal Levels:
| Bronze | Silver | Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Public Service | 100 | 200 | 400 |
| Personal Development | 50 | 100 | 200 |
| Physical Fitness | 50 | 100 | 200 |
| Expedition/Exploration (Consecutive Nights) | One | Two | Four |
| Total Minimum Hours | 200 | 400 | 800 |
In addition to hour requirements, the Congressional Award also has set minimum month requirements. The month requirements are made to foster a lifestyle of service, rather than a short time of volunteerism. The Congressional Award is a marathon, not a sprint.
Certificate Levels:
| Bronze | No minimum |
| Silver | No minimum |
| Gold | 6 Months |
Medal Levels:
| Bronze | 7 Months |
| Silver | 12 Months |
| Gold | 24 Months |
Congressional Award National Events
The Congressional Award is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organizationNon-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
that does not receive any funding from the federal government. Instead they hold several fundraising events to support the program, most notably: The Congressional Award Chiefs of Staff Annual Golf Classic and The Congressional Award Chiefs of Staff Charity Poker Event.
The Congressional Awards' largest event is the Annual Gold Medal Ceremony, held in the US Capitol. The June ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of Gold Medalists, bringing them together from across the country for a presentation of their Congressional Award Gold Medal by their Member of Congress. Due to the large number of Medalists, there are usually two ceremonies on Capitol Hill on the Gold Medal day.
Accompanying the Gold Medal Ceremony is the Gold Nation Experience, an exciting opportunity for Gold Medalists to create new relationships with other outstanding youth from across the country. The optional program provides medalists with an opportunity to come to Washington, D.C. and see the city together. The Gold Nation Experience usually runs from the week of the Gold Ceremony until the day after. The cost of the Gold Nation Experience is greatly discounted to Medalists due to the fundraising efforts of the CAF; and the majority of the cost is paid by the CAF. However, medalists must provide their own transportation to Washington. The Gold Medal Ceremony also commemorates adults and their participation in youth fund raising and volunteering (See Other Awards).
The Horizon Award
The Horizon Award is a special recognition from the Joint Leadership Commission of the Congressional Award Foundation and its Board of Directors. The Horizon Award is presented to individuals from the private sector who have contributed to expanding opportunities for all Americans through their own personal contributions, and who have set exceptional examples for young people through their own successes in life. These recipients have truly forged ahead, establishing noble horizons to which our youth can aspire.Past recipients include:
- 1997 Jimmy SmitsJimmy SmitsJimmy Smits is an American actor. Smits is perhaps best known for his roles as attorney Victor Sifuentes on the 1980s legal drama L.A. Law, as NYPD Detective Bobby Simone on the 1990s police drama NYPD Blue, and as Congressman Matt Santos on The West Wing...
, Tom SelleckTom SelleckThomas William "Tom" Selleck is an American actor, and film producer. He is best known for his starring role as Hawaii-based private investigator Thomas Magnum on the 1980s television show Magnum, P.I.. He also plays Police Chief Jesse Stone in a series of made-for-TV movies based on the Robert B....
1998 Leeza GibbonsLeeza GibbonsLeeza Kim Gibbons is an American talk show host. Gibbons is the host of her own radio show, Hollywood Confidential, part of the United Stations radio syndication company.-Early life:...
, David FrostDavid FrostSir David Frost is a British broadcaster.David Frost may also refer to:*David Frost , South African golfer*David Frost , classical record producer*David Frost *Dave Frost, baseball pitcher...
, Grant HillGrant HillGrant Hill is the name of:* Grant Hill, American basketball player* Grant Hill , Canadian politician* Grant Hill, San Diego, California, an urban neighboorhood in central San Diego...
1999 Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
, Judith Hale
2000 Bob LanierBob LanierRobert Lanier may refer to:*Bob Lanier , former NBA star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame*Bob Lanier , businessman and former mayor of Houston, Texas*Rob Lanier, basketball coach...
2001 Esai MoralesEsai MoralesEsai Manuel Morales is an American actor. He is well known for his role as Bob Morales in the 1987 biopic La Bamba. He also appeared in the PBS drama American Family and in the Showtime series Resurrection Blvd.. However, he is best known for his roles as Lt...
2002 Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011....
, Wynton MarsalisWynton MarsalisWynton Learson Marsalis is a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, music educator, and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Marsalis has promoted the appreciation of classical and jazz music often to young audiences...
, Jerry BlavatJerry BlavatJerry Blavat , also known as "The Geator with The Heator", is an American disc jockey who is known for promoting oldies music on the radio in the Philadelphia area. Blavat was born in South Philadelphia to a Jewish father and Italian mother....
2003 Art MonkArt MonkJames Arthur "Art" Monk is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, New York Jets, and the Philadelphia Eagles...
, Charles MannCharles MannCharles Mann may refer to:* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis , British colonial administrator in America* Charles Mann , British born administrator in South Australia* Charles C...
2007 Lauren NelsonLauren NelsonLauren Paige Nelson is a beauty queen from Lawton, Oklahoma who holds the Miss America 2007 title. Nelson is the second consecutive Miss America and sixth in the history of Miss America to hail from this state....
2008 Drew BreesDrew BreesDrew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
2009 Nick CannonNick CannonNicholas Scott "Nick" Cannon is an American actor, comedian, rapper, entrepreneur, record producer, radio, and television personality. On television, Cannon began as a teenage sketch comedian on All That before going on to host The Nick Cannon Show, Wild 'N Out, and America's Got Talent...
, Jimmie Lee SolomonJimmie Lee SolomonJimmie Lee Solomon was the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations in Major League Baseball from 2005-2010.-Biography:Solomon holds a Harvard law degree and earned a Bachelor of Arts at Dartmouth College. He played for the Dartmouth football team and was also an All-Ivy League sprinter....
2010 Michael OherMichael OherMichael Jerome Oher is an American football offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Mississippi for the Ole Miss Rebels...
The Leadership Award
The Leadership Award is presented annually to individuals in the public sector who have displayed outstanding commitment to improving the lives of our nation’s young people and providing critical support in the Congressional Award Foundation’s efforts to make the Congressional Award a national opportunity. The Leadership Award is presented by the Congressional Award Joint Leadership Commission, composed of The Speaker and Minority Leader of the House and Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate.Past recipients include:
- 1994 President and Mrs. Jimmy CarterJimmy CarterJames Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
, Senator Malcolm WallopMalcolm WallopMalcolm Wallop was a Republican politician and former three-term United States Senator from Wyoming.-Early years:...
, Congressman James HowardJames HowardJames or Jim Howard may refer to:* James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk * James Howard , English dramatist* James Howard MP , British Liberal politician, manufacturer and agriculturalist...
1995 The Honorable John GlennJohn GlennJohn Herschel Glenn, Jr. is a former United States Marine Corps pilot, astronaut, and United States senator who was the first American to orbit the Earth and the third American in space. Glenn was a Marine Corps fighter pilot before joining NASA's Mercury program as a member of NASA's original...
, Congressman Tom Bliley
1996 His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, Senator Mark HatfieldMark HatfieldMark Odom Hatfield was an American politician and educator from the state of Oregon. A Republican, he served for 30 years as a United States Senator from Oregon, and also as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee...
1997 Senator Bob DoleBob DoleRobert Joseph "Bob" Dole is an American attorney and politician. Dole represented Kansas in the United States Senate from 1969 to 1996, was Gerald Ford's Vice Presidential running mate in the 1976 presidential election, and was Senate Majority Leader from 1985 to 1987 and in 1995 and 1996...
, Congressman Esteban Torres
1998 Senator Robert ByrdRobert ByrdRobert Carlyle Byrd was a United States Senator from West Virginia. A member of the Democratic Party, Byrd served as a U.S. Representative from 1953 until 1959 and as a U.S. Senator from 1959 to 2010...
, Congressman Dan Schaefer
1999 Secretary of State Colin PowellColin PowellColin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American to serve in that position. During his military...
, Judith McHaleJudith McHaleJudith A. McHale is the current Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, helping lead America’s engagement with the people of the world. Appointed by President Obama, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 21, 2009 and sworn in on May 26.McHale is the former President...
2000 First Lady Nancy ReaganNancy ReaganNancy Davis Reagan is the widow of former United States President Ronald Reagan and was First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989....
, Congressman Charles Rangel
2001 Congressman Donald PayneDonald PayneDonald Payne may refer to:*Donald G. Payne, English author*Donald M. Payne, U.S. Representative from New Jersey*Donald Payne , British soldier who became his country's first convicted war criminal during his tour in Iraq...
2002 Congressman Major OwensMajor OwensMajor Robert Odell Owens is a New York politician and a prominent member of the Democratic Party. He is also a former Congressman, having represented the state's 11th Congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. He retired at the end of his term in January 2007 and was...
2003 Congressional Award Chairman Thomas CampbellThomas CampbellThomas Campbell was a Scottish poet chiefly remembered for his sentimental poetry dealing specially with human affairs. He was also one of the initiators of a plan to found what became the University of London. In 1799, he wrote 'The Pleasures of Hope' a traditional 18th century survey in heroic...
2006 Congressman Ed PastorEd PastorEdward Lopez "Ed" Pastor is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1991. He is a member of the Democratic Party.The district includes most of southern, western, and downtown Phoenix, along with a portion of Glendale....
2007 Senator Mike EnziMike EnziMichael Bradley "Mike" Enzi is the senior U.S. Senator from Wyoming and a member of the Republican Party.Raised in Thermopolis, Wyoming, Enzi attended George Washington University and the University of Denver. He expanded his father's shoe store business in Gillette before being elected mayor of...
, Congressman Rush Holt
2008 Senator and Mrs. Trent LottTrent LottChester Trent Lott, Sr. , is a former United States Senator from Mississippi and has served in numerous leadership positions in the House of Representatives and the Senate....
, First Lady Laura BushLaura BushLaura Lane Welch Bush is the wife of the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. She was the First Lady of the United States from January 20, 2001, to January 20, 2009. She has held a love of books and reading since childhood and her life and education have reflected that interest...
2009 Congressman Chris Shays
2010 Senator John CulverJohn CulverJohn Chester Culver is an American politician of the Democratic Party who represented Iowa in both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate....
The Inspiration Award
The Inspiration Award is given to a Congressional Award Advisor who motivates, inspires and leads America’s youth to greatness.Adult Volunteers
Adult volunteers are an integral component of the Congressional Award. More than 10,000 adult volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to promoting a lifestyle of service.The Congressional Award is designed to bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood. Working with adults is one way by which participants can achieve this. Most participants will work with five or more adults throughout the program: one Advisor and four Validators.
Advisors
Each youth selects one adult to serve as their Advisor. Teachers, neighbors, clergy, and coaches are examples of possible Advisors. The youth may select any adult to be their Advisor, so long as the Advisor is not a relative or a peer. The Advisor meets regularly with the youth to assist him or her in goal-setting and completing the record book. The Advisor must sign the youth’s record book prior to submission to the CAF for review.Validators
Validators assist the participant with individual activities within a particular program area. Validators should be knowledgeable and/or experienced in the activity being pursued. For example, if a youth’s goal and activities involved basketball, a basketball coach would make a suitable Validator. Similarly, if a youth volunteers at an animal shelter, an senior employee or the volunteer coordinator would be an appropriate Validator. An Advisor can also serve as a Validator. While not particularly common, this is appropriate if a suitable Validator cannot be found.In addition to Advisors and Validators, countless adult volunteers promote the Congressional Award Program throughout the country.
The Congressional Award Foundation
The Congressional Award Foundation is the non-profit entity that oversees the distribution of the Congressional Award on behalf of Congress.Board of Directors
The Congressional Award Foundation’s 48-member Board of Directors is partially appointed by the joint leadership of both parties in the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition to actively promoting the Congressional Award Program across the country, the Board meets quarterly to assess the program’s growth and provide direction to the National Staff.- Executive Officers
Chairman of the Board – Paxton BakerPaxton BakerPaxton K. Baker is the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Centric , a BET and MTV network targeting African American and multicultural adults. Baker is also President of BET Event Productions, which produces music festivals, TV awards shows, specials and concerts throughout the world...
, Centric
Vice Chairwoman – Linda Mitchell, MSU Extension Service
Vice Chairman – Ambassador Roger F. Noriega, Vision Americas LLC
Vice Chairman – The Honorable Rodney E. SlaterRodney E. SlaterRodney Earl Slater was the United States Secretary of Transportation under U. S. President Bill Clinton.-Education:...
, Patton BoggsPatton BoggsPatton Boggs is a full service law firm and lobbyist headquartered in Washington, D.C. It has more than 600 lawyers and professionals in nine locations in the United States and the Middle East. Patton Boggs specializes in , , , , international and trade law with over 200 international clients from...
, LLP
Secretary – Mary Rodgers, Pennsylvania
Treasurer – Lee Klumpp, CPA, BDO Seldman, LLP
Chairman Emeritus – John Falk, Firecreek Ltd.
- Board Members
Cliff Akiyama – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Honorable Max BaucusMax BaucusMax Sieben Baucus is the senior United States Senator from Montana and a member of the Democratic Party. First elected to the Senate in 1978, as of 2010 he is the longest-serving Senator from Montana, and the fifth longest-serving U.S...
– United States Senate
The Honorable Gus BilirakisGus BilirakisGus Michael Bilirakis is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2007. He is a member of the Republican Party. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives.- Early life, education and career :...
– United States Congress
Ed Blansitt, CPA – Washington, DC
The Honorable Kwame BrownKwame BrownKwame James Brown is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Charlotte Bobcats. The , center was the 1st overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, and was the first number one draft pick to be selected straight out of high school...
– DC Council Chairman
Laurel Call – Ohio
Nick CannonNick CannonNicholas Scott "Nick" Cannon is an American actor, comedian, rapper, entrepreneur, record producer, radio, and television personality. On television, Cannon began as a teenage sketch comedian on All That before going on to host The Nick Cannon Show, Wild 'N Out, and America's Got Talent...
– California
Michael Carozza – Washington, DC
Edward Cohen – Lerner Enterprises
Kathy Didawick – Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
Dr. Wiley Dobbs – Idaho
Mike Esser – Edward Jones
David Falk – FAME
Jeffrey S. Fried – Washington, DC
Ron Gillyard – Los Angeles, CA
George B. Gould – Washington, DC
Dr. Larry Green – Maryland
J. Steven Hart, Esq. – Williams & Jensen, P.C.
Erica Wheelan Heyse – National Director
David W. Hunt, Esq. – Counsel
The Honorable Johnny IsaksonJohnny IsaksonJohn Hardy "Johnny" Isakson is the junior United States Senator from Georgia and a member of the Republican Party. Previously, he represented in the House....
– United States Senate
The Honorable Sheila Jackson LeeSheila Jackson LeeSheila Jackson Lee is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1995. The district includes most of inner-city Houston. She is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life and education:...
– United States Congress
Paul Kelly – National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Conrad Lass – American Petroleum InstituteAmerican Petroleum InstituteThe American Petroleum Institute, commonly referred to as API, is the largest U.S trade association for the oil and natural gas industry...
Lynn Lyons – Florida
Patrick McLain – Sanofi
Marc Monyek – McDonald'sMcDonald'sMcDonald's Corporation is the world's largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, serving around 64 million customers daily in 119 countries. Headquartered in the United States, the company began in 1940 as a barbecue restaurant operated by the eponymous Richard and Maurice McDonald; in 1948...
Corporation
Patrick Murphy – 3 Click Solutions
Major General Robert B. Newman, Jr. – Virginia
Kimberly Norman – Texas
Andrew F. Ortiz – Ortiz Leadership Systems
Jerry Prout – FMC Corporation
Glenn Reynolds – USTelecom Association
Adam Ruiz – Kentucky
Dan Scherder – Scherder & Associates
Jimmie Lee SolomonJimmie Lee SolomonJimmie Lee Solomon was the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations in Major League Baseball from 2005-2010.-Biography:Solomon holds a Harvard law degree and earned a Bachelor of Arts at Dartmouth College. He played for the Dartmouth football team and was also an All-Ivy League sprinter....
– Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
Jeffrey L. Thompson – The Walt DisneyWalt DisneyWalter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
Company
The Honorable Jeri Thomson – Former Secretary of the US Senate
Joe Watson – Virginia
Kathryn Weeden – United States Senate PageUnited States Senate PageA United States Senate Page is a non-partisan federal employee serving the United States Senate in Washington, DC. Despite the non-partisan affiliation, Pages are typically divided to serve the party that appointed them.-Selection:In order to become a US Senate Page, one must first be nominated...
School
Jon Wood – Alpha Natural Resources
National Staff
The Congressional Award National Office is located on Capitol Hill and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Congressional Award Foundation and the Congressional Award program. To better meet the needs of youth, states are assigned to a geographical region – North, South or West, with a designated Program Manager. The Program Managers work closely with Advisors and youth in their region to answer any program-related questions and promote the program in their respective region.Past Financial Uncertainty
Now totally resolved, the Congressional Award Foundation did experience a brief period of financial uncertainty. In a GAOGovernment Accountability Office
The Government Accountability Office is the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of the United States Congress. It is located in the legislative branch of the United States government.-History:...
audit of the Congressional Award Foundation’s 2005 and 2006 financial statement
Financial statement
A financial statement is a formal record of the financial activities of a business, person, or other entity. In British English—including United Kingdom company law—a financial statement is often referred to as an account, although the term financial statement is also used, particularly by...
s, the office identified
- two significant matters related to the Foundation’s financial statements. These matters concerned (1) the Foundation’s ability to continue as a going concernGoing concernA going concern is a business that functions without the threat of liquidation for the foreseeable future, usually regarded as at least within 12 months.-Definition of the 'going concern' concept:...
, which has been resolved, and (2) inconsistency between functional expenses reported in the Foundation’s annual information return (Form 990) filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2005.
The first "significant" matter referred to various problems, including a serious decline in the foundation's assets: as of September 30, 2006 the value of the foundation's asset had declined to under $8,500. Within a year, the asset value had grown to $125,000. The GAO also noted that the CAF's national director paid over $23,000 to cover the costs of the foundation's Gold Award Ceremony during the CAF's 2006 fiscal year; she was reimbursed for all but $664 by December 2006.
The inconsistency described in the second matter was resolved in the Form 990 and audited financial statements for fiscal year 2006.
Congress created the Congressional Award Fellowship Trust in 1990 to "benefit the charitable and educational purposes of the Foundation"; the CAF withdrew $20,000 from the trust in order to support its 2007 operations.
The Congressional Award has enjoyed financial stability in the subsequent years, and its proactive fundraising initiatives are working to ensure that it will never again face a budget shortfall.