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Gold Award Girl Scouts: Issues of the world, meet your match.

Gold Award Girl Scouts

Issues of the world, meet your match. 

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouts. It's the most prestigious award in the world for girls—and the most difficult to earn—and it’s only available to Girl Scouts. Once achieved, it shows colleges, employers, and your community that you’re skilled and ready to get out there and change the world!

You may pursue your Gold Award if you meet the following criteria:

  • You're in high school (9 - 12 grade)
  • You're registered as a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador
  • You've completed either:
    • Two Senior or Ambassador Journeys OR
    • One Journey and have also earned the Girl Scout Silver Award.

For more information, download the GSSEM Gold Award Packet.

Girl Scout Gold Award pin

Girl Scout Gold Award Steps at a Glance

  1. Identify an issue
  2. Investigate your issue thoroughly
  3. Get help and build your team
  4. Create a plan
  5. Present your plan and gather feedback
  6. Take action
  7. Educate and inspire
Gold Award Quick Facts
  • All requirements for the Gold Award must be completed by Girl Scout Seniors or Ambassadors (9 -12 grade) by September 30 of the year they leave 12th grade.
  • The Gold Award Take Action Project requires a minimum of 80 hours. Outstanding projects reflect more than 100 hours.
  • Check GSSEM’s Calendar of Events for dates and locations of in-person high-awards trainings. Monthly call in chats are also available. You can also view GSSEM’s Gold Award Training Video.
  • Girls must complete the Notice of Intent, and then be paired with a member of the Gold Award Committee who will answer questions and ensure girls stay on track to earning the Gold Award.
  • Girls must complete a Project Proposal, which is reviewed by the Gold Award Committee to ensure it meets award criteria and Standard of Excellence.
  • Approval of the project proposal signals the girl to implement her Gold Award Take Action Project and complete the final report.
  • Girls who successfully complete a Gold Award Final Report are invited to GSSEM’s annual Honor Reception held the first Sunday of May. Gold Award Pins are presented at the reception. 


More Gold Award Resources: