The Girl Scout Gold Award — the highest award in Girl Scouting — has evolved from a long line of Girl Scout leadership awards which recognizes older girls who make a difference in their communities . The Girl Scout Gold Award was first introduced in 1980 , but has been known as the Golden Eagle of Merit ( 1916-1918 ), Golden Eaglet ( 1919-1938 ), Curved Bar Award ( 1940-1963 ), and the First Class Award ( 1938-1940 , 1963-1980 ).
Approximately one million Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent since 1916 . Currently , an estimated five percent of Girl Scouts in grade 9-12 earn the Gold Award annually . The Girl Scout Gold Award recognizes the work of Girl Scouts who demonstrate leadership , culminating in 80 hours or more dedicated toward a Take Action Project that has a sustainable impact in the community .
About the Young Woman of Distinction Award
Our annual local Young Woman of Distinction Award will be presented
to up to three Gold Award Girl Scouts whose Gold Award projects demonstrated a clear vision , resolve , and commitment to making the world a better place . Each Young Woman of Distinction will receive a scholarship from Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England . GSSNE nominates several Gold Award Girl Scouts each year to be considered for the GSUSA National Gold Award Girl Scout honor .
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