Celebrate Award Awareness Week, October 20–24, 2025! This week highlights the impact of the Award in Canada and the communities that make it possible. Together, we recognize the potential of every young person and mentor and share the Award’s story across schools, organizations, and communities.
Join the Celebration
Get ready to connect, engage, and be inspired! Explore a dynamic mix of activities, resources, and live events that bring the Award community together. Whether you’re a participant, Award Mentor, partner or simply curious to learn more, there are plenty of ways to take part. Join the celebration this week and beyond!
Join us in raising awareness about the Award in Canada! Share with your network why you do/did/deliver the Award by creating a post on social media.
Get Involved:
- Share a message/image in your announcements (bulletin board, newsletter, PA, social post etc.)
- Use Award posters to decorate your space
- Share a story or photo about what the Award means to you
- Join the goal setting & growth session with paralympic legend Michelle Stilwell at 12:00pm ET
- Share and vote for the Teamwork in Action photo contest on Instagram and Facebook (Oct 20–22)
Let’s collectively spread the word about the Award and its impact!
Celebrate the power of teamwork and the strength of partnership. The essence of the Award lies in collaboration, and we are excited to highlight the incredible outcomes that teamwork can achieve.
Share your own experiences with teamwork and partnership within the Award on social media, emphasizing the significance of working together.
Get Involved:
- Host a peer/mentor reflection circle or check-in
- Take a team photo and display it or share it with your group
- Join the Co-curricular Award Delivery Session at 12:00pm ET
- Shout out a participant who helped others succeed
- Share and vote for the Teamwork in Action photo contest on Instagram and Facebook (Oct 20–22)
Whether you’re an Award holder, current participant, Award Mentor or a supporter of the Award in Canada your story matters! Share with your network and community about why you are involved with the Award and the impact it has had on you!
Explore the stories of our Award community as they push their limits, embrace challenges, and make a positive impact on their communities. Discover the extraordinary skills they’ve acquired, the incredible adventures they’ve undertaken, and the lasting friendships they’ve forged.
Get Involved:
- Build a ‘Wall of Fame’ for achievers and active participants
- Share an Award story in a newsletter, bulletin, or blog
- Attend the Global Alumni Panel Session at 12:00pm ET
- Encourage participants to reflect on their progress
- Share and vote in the Mentorship in Action photo contest category on Instagram and Facebook (Oct 22–24)
Behind every achievement, there’s a network of unwavering support, encouragement, and mentorship.
Who has mentored you in your Award experience over the years? Let them know the impact they made and give them a shout-out! Share a thank you message to someone who has helped you through your Award with your network and community. Consider all channels that you have at your disposal including giving someone a call, posting on social media, writing an email, or a personalized card.
Get Involved:
- Have participants write a thank-you note to their mentor or assessor
- Share a message of appreciation with your school or organization
- Join the Mentorship Matters Session with Mentor Canada at 12:00pm ET
- Share and vote in the Mentorship in Action photo contest category on Instagram and Facebook (Oct 22–24)
We put the spotlight on community service! The Award framework is not just about personal growth; it’s about giving back to our communities.
How can you give back on the last day of Award Awareness Week? Consider organizing a community service project in your local area. Whether it’s a neighborhood cleanup, volunteering at a local shelter, or any other act of service, your efforts can make a significant positive impact in your community while actively engaging in the Award in action.
Get Involved:
- Do a simple service activity: clean-up, kindness notes, food drive
- Plan a larger project for later and get students involved in planning
- Attend the Youth Volunteering Session with Volunteer Canada at 12:00pm ET
- Talk about how service connects to the Award experience
- Share and vote in the Goal Setting & Reflection in Action photo contest on Instagram and Facebook (Oct 24–26)
Explore the Sessions
Each day starting at 12:00 PM ET, you’re invited to join engaging sessions that bring the Award community together. We invite you to join us whether you’re part of the Award, curious to learn more, or joining in for the first time.
Unlocking Potential: Growth Mindset with Paralympian Michelle Stilwell
Join us on Monday, October 20 at 12:00 PM ET for a powerful presentation by Paralympic legend and former Cabinet Minister Michelle Stilwell. Drawing from her journey across four Paralympic Games and her career in public service, Michelle will share practical strategies for goal-setting, perseverance, and maintaining a growth mindset — hosted by her longtime coach and mentor, Gold Award alumni Peter Lawless.
Register today
School-Year Success: Co-curricular Award Delivery
On Tuesday, October 21 join Award Canada’s education consultant, Laura Briscoe at 12 PM ET for a peer-learning session where Award Centres and schools share innovative ways to deliver the Award within the school year—like curriculum-linked and whole-grade models. With deep experience in experiential learning and co-curricular strategy, Laura brings practical insights that reflect the Award Canada Way in action.
Register today
National Francophone Session: Co-curricular Implementation of the Award
Join us on Tuesday, October 21 at 1:00 PM ET for a dedicated session tailored to French-language schools across Canada. This session will explore how to deliver the Award framework as a co-curricular offering, highlight delivery models suited to Francophone contexts, and celebrate exciting new developments. It’s a unique opportunity to connect, share, and grow the Award Canada Way in French-language education.
Register today
From Canada to the World: Alumni Stories of Leadership and Impact
Join the Award Canada Alumni Network (ACAN) on Wednesday, October 22 from 12:00–12:45 PM ET for an inspiring panel featuring Award alumni whose journeys began in Canada and extend onto the world stage. Through stories of leadership, service, and cross-cultural impact, this session highlights how the Award equips young people with the confidence, character, and competencies to thrive — in their communities at home and as global citizens abroad.
Register today
Mentorship in Action: Strengthening Youth Development with Mentor Canada
On Thursday, October 23 from 12:00–12:45 PM join Sydney Piggott, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives at Mentor Canada, for a dynamic workshop onthe transformative power of mentoring in the lives of young leaders.
Discover how mentors foster resilience, belonging, and future readiness and learn practical strategies for building inclusive and impactful mentoring relationships. Whether you’re already mentoring or just curious about how to make a difference, this session will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to take action.
Register today
Do a Deed Friday: Your Guide to Making a Difference with Volunteer Canada
Join Lily Viggiano, Intergenerational Initiatives Manager at Volunteer Canada, on Friday, October 24 at 12 PM ET for a high-energy session ton unlocking potential through purposeful volunteering. Discover how to turn your passions into action, overcome barriers, and connect with opportunities that fit your life. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to dive deeper, this session will leave you inspired, equipped, and ready to make a difference.
Register todayHonourary Recognition of Award Awareness Week across Canada
The support of Lieutenant Governors and government bodies across Canada has been vital to the growth of the Award. Their recognition and proclamations not only celebrate the outstanding achievements of participants and alumni but also highlight the Award’s impact and importance in our communities. This week, as we observe Award Awareness Week, we honour their crucial role in recognizing and promoting excellence.
The Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff & The Hon. Everett Hindley
Ministers of Advanced Education & Education
Flag Raisings
Flag Raising at Queen Elizabeth II Building
Edmonton, Alberta
Flag Raising at Government House
Regina, Saskatchewan
Flag Raising at Government House
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Flag Raising at Government House
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Flag Raising at Government House
Victoria, British Columbia
Other ways to celebrate
Showcase Your Award Pride
Whether you’re an Award holder, mentor, or supporter, this is your moment to shine! Wear your pin, update your LinkedIn profile with your Award achievements, and share your pride across social media. Let your voice be heard: start a conversation about how the Award has shaped your journey and the impact you’ve seen it make. Your story can inspire others to begin theirs.
Enter the Award in Action Photo Contest
Calling all Award Leaders and Virtual Award Centre (VAC) Participants across Canada! Submit a photo that captures the spirit of the Award—whether it’s teamwork, mentorship, or personal reflection. Your image could be featured during Award Awareness Week and help showcase the impact of the Award nationwide.
🏆 Prizes: Three $300 gift cards—one for each category winner.
🗳️ Live Voting: Finalists will be posted on Instagram and Facebook during Awareness Week. Rally your network to vote by commenting on their favorite!
📅 Deadline: October 7, 2025
Learn how to submit your photo here
Explore Award Experiences: Shaping Success and Inspiring Futures
Discover how the Award has influenced the lives of our community members, shaping their character, leadership skills, and sense of purpose. Click here to read their impactful stories and gain insights into their personal and professional successes.
Have your own Award story to share? Inspire and guide the next generation by sharing your unique experience. Contribute your story and make a difference!
Share your story
Stay Connected with the Award Canada Alumni Network (ACAN)
This Award Awareness Week, take a moment to reconnect and celebrate with the Award Canada Alumni Network (ACAN)!
Join the ACAN Connect LinkedIn group and share your Award story—post a photo, reflect on your experience, or highlight how the Award has shaped your path. It’s a great way to inspire others and be part of the celebration.
Make sure your contact info is up to date so you don’t miss alumni updates, event invites, and opportunities.
Read more
Gear Up for Award Awareness Week: Award Canada Merch Store
Celebrate Award Awareness Week in style with our exclusive Award Canada merch! From cozy sweaters and sweatshirts to cool t-shirts, our store has everything you need to show off your Award pride. Gear up, stay comfy, and make a statement—visit our store today to find your perfect look. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us to spread the Award love!
Shop today
