What Difference Do We Make?
For more than 60 years, we have been helping young people transform their lives and their communities. We empower young people to develop ‘soft’ – or universal – skills such as resilience, adaptability, creativity, problem solving, decision-making and communication. Developing these skills supports the achievement of long-term positive life outcomes, including educational attainment, employment and mental health and wellbeing. In other words, we help young people to achieve personal change in their lives, which itself can lead to positional change in their environments.
The Award contributes to both ‘human capital’ through the development of ‘soft’ – or universal – skills, and ‘social capital’ through connection to communities and networks.
Today’s young people are bombarded by information, expectations and uncertainty. They are growing up with a mosaic of complexities and challenges unseen by previous generations. As a non-formal educational program, The Award can play a vital role in providing opportunities for young people to develop essential life skills, complementing their formal education. This enables them to grow in confidence and in their ability to contribute positively to their communities.
I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences that the Award has given me over the last couple of years. I feel as if I have become a much more confident, and a well-rounded global citizen throughout the entire experience…I strongly encourage young students to join the program in order to create their own memories, find their own passions, gain more confidence, and a greater appreciation for life, just like I did!
Courtney – Bronze, Silver & Gold Achiever
Download our global World Ready discussion paper
To find out what young people say about the challenges they face today and the types of experiences, learning and skills they think they will need to take on the world of today and tomorrow.
Download the paper
Check out our impact reports
It has never been more important to equip young people with the skills and confidence to discover their true potential. They are the world’s richest resource and the biggest stakeholders in its future. On an individual level this can make a transformational difference to a young person’s life; on a collective basis, it has the power to bring significant change to wider society. To learn more about the impact being made by young Canadians doing the Award check out our impact reports.
Learn MoreWhere We Make an Impact
The four areas of Impact the Award in Canada is working on from 2020 to 2026 are:
Improved employability and earning potential
Improved physical health and fitness
Improved mental health and emotional wellbeing
Increased engagement with charitable and community causes
