Gold Award
You're about to change the world, Girl Scout.
The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable—proof that not only can you make a difference, but you already have.
Gold Award Girl Scouts are rock stars, role models, and real-life heroes. How do they do it? By using everything they've learned as a Girl Scout to solve a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world.
Training sessions | Hour requirements | Gold Award Girl Scouts »
** Please read GSSEM's Gold Award Process before you start. **
You may become a Gold Award Girl Scout if you:
- Are in ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade.
- Are a registered Senior or Ambassador.
- Have 1) completed a Senior/Ambassador Journey -OR- a Senior/Ambassador Leadership Award, or 2) earned the Girl Scout Silver Award.
- Have attended a
mandatory GSSEM Gold Award training session.
Note: Gold Award training provided by another council does not fulfill this requirement. - Have submitted your Gold Award Notice of Intent.
GSSEM's Golden Opportunity Fund
GSSEM's Golden Opportunity Fund* has been established to support GSSEM Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts with funding needs for their Girl Scout Gold Award projects.
Girl Scouts can apply for up to $500 in funding.
Funding for the Golden Opportunity Fund is limited. The funding will be used to support multiple Gold Award projects. Applying for the grant does not guarantee an award of funding or the full amount requested.
Leadership Award Log
Tell us about a Leadership Award you've earned to move on to the next step of your Highest Award journey.
YWOD & Scholarships
GSSEM Young Woman of Distinction (YWOD) 
About the YWOD Award
Every year, GSSEM selects a Young Woman of Distinction (YWOD)—a prestigious honor given to a Gold Award Girl Scout whose project demonstrates extraordinary leadership, has a measurable and sustainable impact, and addresses a local challenge related to a national and/or global issue.
Recent Honorees
Gold Award Scholarships
How to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award
- Find an issue in your community or the world you care
about.
- Learn everything you can about that issue through research and trusted sources.
- Form a team by identifying experts and people in your community who could help you.
- Consider an issue's root cause and plan a way to address it.
- Lead your team and carry out your plan.
- Reflect on the change you've created in your community and the world, share your story, and inspire others to make a difference, too.
Completed the prerequisites?
Please submit the notice of intent and media agreement forms.
** Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9–12) must complete the Gold Award requirements and submit
the final report by September 30 of the year they graduate high school. **
If you have questions about the Girl Scout Gold Award, please email highestawards@gssem.org.
Go Gold Now
By becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout, you'll take action, make a lasting impact in the world, and help create a better tomorrow.
GET STARTED
