The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at Elite Open School

Empowering Students Beyond the Classroom

Elite Open School (EOS) is now an Award Center for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA. This prestigious global program aligns seamlessly with our mission of blended, personalized learning — giving students opportunities to grow in resilience, confidence, and leadership through real-world experiences outside the classroom.

What Is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?

Founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth development award with over a million-youth participating in over 140 countries.

The Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning. Each student sets their own goals and works toward them across four core sections:

  • Service – Giving back through volunteering and community engagement

  • Skills – Discovering and developing new talents and abilities

  • Physical Recreation – Building health, fitness, and resilience

  • Adventurous Journey – Working as a team to explore, plan, and complete an outdoor challenge

Together, these experiences encourage young people to find their purpose, passion, and place in the world.

Learn more at usaward.org.

Why the Award Matters at EOS

Since our founding in 2016, EOS has been a pioneer in personalized and blended learning, serving students across the U.S. and internationally. By offering the Award, we extend our academic model with a structured pathway for holistic growth and balanced development.

For EOS students, the Award means:

  • Leadership development through community service

  • Resilience and self-confidence through personal goals and challenges

  • Global connection to a network of motivated young people worldwide

  • Recognition that is respected by colleges, universities, and employers

The Award complements EOS’s commitment to helping students thrive both academically and personally.

Levels of the Award

The Award is open to students ages 14–24, with three progressive levels:

  • Bronze – Minimum 6 months of commitment

  • Silver – Minimum 12 months of commitment

  • Gold – Minimum 18 months of commitment

Students typically begin at the Bronze level and may continue through Silver and Gold, each stage requiring greater dedication and achievement.

At every level, participants design a journey tailored to their interests, setting goals that matter to them personally.

How EOS Delivers the Award

As a Proud to Deliver Award Center, EOS provides trained mentors and coordinators who guide students through each step of their Award journey for both virtual and onsite options. Our role includes:

  • Support & Guidance – Helping students set achievable goals and track progress

  • Mentorship – Encouraging persistence and celebrating achievements

  • Community – Connecting students with peers engaged in the same challenges

  • Recognition – Celebrating milestones within the EOS community and beyond

This supportive structure ensures that every student has the tools they need to succeed while enjoying the independence and ownership that make the Award unique.

How Colleges Recognize the Award

Colleges and universities worldwide recognize The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as a mark of distinction. Because the Award requires sustained commitment, leadership, and service, it demonstrates qualities that admissions officers value in applicants.

Students who complete the Award often highlight their experiences in college applications and interviews. Key benefits include:

  • Demonstrated commitment – Colleges see that students can set long-term goals and follow through.

  • Leadership & service – Award participants show initiative, responsibility, and community involvement.

  • Balance & resilience – Admissions officers appreciate applicants who balance academics with personal growth, wellness, and real-world challenges.

  • Global recognition – The Award is respected by universities around the world, helping EOS students stand out in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.

For many colleges, the Award signals that a student is self-motivated, globally minded, and ready to contribute to campus life.

Getting Started at EOS

Students at Elite Open School may now register to begin their Award journey. The program is flexible and can be adapted to each student’s schedule, making it an ideal complement to our personalized learning model.

  • Eligibility: Open to EOS students ages 14–24.

  • Starting Point: Most students will begin with the Bronze Award.

  • Staff Support: EOS staff members are trained to guide students through the registration, planning, and completion process.

To express interest or begin enrollment, please visit https://www.eliteopenschool.org/contact-us 

A Global Opportunity for EOS Students

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is more than a program — it’s a journey of discovery, growth, and impact. By joining, EOS students step into a global network of young people who are pushing themselves to achieve more, contribute to their communities, and prepare for a bright future.

Elite Open School is excited to bring this opportunity to our students and families. We invite you to join us in celebrating the launch of this program and to encourage your student to take the first step in their Award journey today.