The Award complements the SHSM program by adding a reflective element, internationally recognized accreditation, and personalized learning opportunities for students, allowing them to align their SHSM activities with their career goals. Additionally, students earn both SHSM certifications through the Award and the Award’s accreditation, which further enhances their appeal to colleges, universities, and employers. Many of the activities students complete for SHSM can count toward the Award, reducing the need for additional work while enhancing the SHSM experience. 

For teachers, the benefits go beyond the classroom. Integrating the Award into SHSM promotes Enhanced Student Engagement by extending learning beyond academic tasks, boosting student enthusiasm and motivation in alignment with the 7 Elements of the Award Canada Way. Teachers act as mentors, building Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships through personalized guidance. This mentorship enriches the curriculum, creating Experiential Learning opportunities that foster resilience, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that go beyond academic achievement. 

Moreover, the Award offers Professional Development opportunities for teachers, helping them grow through leadership roles and expanded teaching practices. By leading students on Adventurous Journeys, teachers also experience a break from traditional routines, enjoying hands-on learning experiences that are both exciting and memorable. 

The integration also contributes to School Culture, emphasizing empowerment, community engagement, and recognition of Non-Formal Learning through volunteer work and skill development. This holistic approach improves student outcomes, including increased confidence and motivation, which positively impacts academic success. 

Ultimately, Personal Fulfillment and job satisfaction for teachers grow as they mentor students, witnessing their personal and academic growth. The Award can reignite a teacher’s passion for education, offering a rewarding experience that enhances both student and teacher success. 

For more details, view our brochure here. 

Yes, attending a competition can count as an Adventurous Journey—as long as it’s adapted to fulfill AJ requirements. While simply attending doesn’t fulfill the criteria, the team can turn it into a meaningful AJ by setting a unique goal focused on learning and development. For example, instead of the goal being just to participate, they could work on enhancing team communication or conduct interviews with industry experts to prepare for future opportunities.

This way, the experience includes the core AJ elements of active participation, personal growth, and a unique challenge. Working together to add this extra layer not only meets AJ requirements but also allows students to fully engage with the experience, taking what they’re already doing to the next level.

It’s important that accommodations are self-catering and allow the team to be self-sufficient during the journey. If you’re struggling with accommodation arrangements, please have your Award Leader reach out to their Account Manager—we’re here to help. We’re committed to being responsive and collaborative, working closely with all groups to support a meaningful and engaging experience.

The purpose of this pilot initiative is to enhance the educational experience in Canadian secondary schools by acknowledging and celebrating a diverse range of career paths, including but not limited to skilled trades. By connecting and recognizing real-world experiences with classroom learning, the initiative aims to validate the various skills and talents students acquire outside traditional academic settings.

This co-curricular approach supports learning outcomes and curriculum requirements, enriching students’ overall education and preparing them for future opportunities in multiple fields. Ultimately, this pilot demonstrates a deeper appreciation for diverse paths, encouraging students to see the value of their unique experiences in their personal and academic development. 

Participation is open to students aged 14-24 who are enrolled in SHSM programs in participating Ontario schools. This pilot is tailored for students seeking to enrich their educational experience by pursuing the Award alongside their SHSM requirements. This dual engagement not only facilitates a comprehensive skill set but also empowers students to make meaningful contributions to their communities while achieving personal goals. 

The Award complements SHSM; however, it is not exclusive to SHSM if you have a student who would benefit, we welcome you to include them. For example, if a student is participating in experiences but missing a specific course in SHSM this would not exclude them from earning the Award. 

The Award comprises four key sections: Voluntary Service, Skills, Physical Recreation, and Adventurous Journey. Each section is designed to foster different aspects of personal development: 

• Voluntary Service focuses on making a positive impact in the community through various volunteer opportunities. 

• Skills encourages students to develop and refine personal interests or skills, providing opportunities for growth and achievement. 

• Physical Recreation emphasizes the importance of staying active and healthy, allowing students to engage in sports and recreational activities. 

• Adventurous Journey promotes teamwork and leadership through organized group experiences, encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. 

Students have the flexibility to select activities within these sections that also fulfill their SHSM requirements, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience. 

The Award involves a structured time commitment across three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, aligning with students’ progression through their SHSM journey. 

• Bronze Level (6 months) – Grade 11: Participants must commit a minimum of six months to complete this level. It serves as an introduction to the Award, allowing students to engage in activities that spark their interest while developing foundational skills. 

• Silver Level (12 months – *6 months if Bronze is completed) – Grade 12: For the Silver level, participants are required to commit twelve months. This phase builds upon the experiences gained during the Bronze level, encouraging participants to deepen their involvement and explore more complex activities. 

• Gold Level (18 months – *12 months if Silver is completed): If participants finish their Silver level, they have the opportunity to challenge themselves with the Gold Award level, requiring an additional commitment of eighteen months. This level encourages participants to take on leadership roles and mentor others, further enhancing their skills and experiences. 

This structured timeline allows participants to fully immerse themselves in their chosen activities, log a set number of hours, and reflect on their experiences. By adhering to these commitments, participants not only work towards earning their Award but also develop essential time management and organizational skills that will benefit them throughout their educational and professional journeys. 

Educators interested in participating in the pilot program should reach out to Laura Briscoe, Education Consultant, or Trudy Carlisle, the Senior Director of Program at Award Canada, for detailed information on registration and engagement opportunities. Trudy and Laura can provide insights into how educators can become actively involved in the program and assist in facilitating the integration of SHSM with the Award within their schools. Additionally, opportunities for greater involvement and resources can be obtained by contacting Laura Briscoe, the Education Consultant at Award Canada. Here are their contact details:

• Trudy Carlisle
  Senior Director of Program, Award Canada
  Email: tcarlisle@dukeofed.org 

• Laura Briscoe
  Education Consultant, Award Canada
  Email: lbriscoe@dukeofed.org 

Educators will receive support throughout the duration of the program. They will be provided with two Playbooks that clearly outline the necessary steps to facilitate the program, including timelines and best practices. This ensures educators have the full autonomy to customize the program according to their specific classroom needs and student interests.  

Additionally, each educator will be assigned a dedicated Account Manager who will serve as a primary point of contact for assistance. Check-ins with this Account Manager will help educators stay on track, address any challenges, and share best practices for effectively implementing the Award alongside the SHSM program. Educators will also have access to resources and training opportunities to enhance their skills in guiding students through this integrated experience. 

Upon successful completion of the Award, students will receive international recognition with a certificate that highlights their accomplishments. This recognition is valuable for academic and career advancement, as it demonstrates a commitment to personal growth, community service, and skill development. Schools may also host special recognition events to celebrate students’ achievements, further enhancing their sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue their engagement in meaningful activities.