What Is The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award?

This Thursday, Prince Edward will make a royal visit to Nashville. Blake Farmer reported that the British prince “will be recognizing recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at the Governor’s Mansion”.

But, what is this Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and what does it have to do with Middle Tennessee?

Camping backback with DofE emblem representing the adventurous journey component of the prize. Credit: Feggy Art/Flickr

According to the British monarchy’s official website, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was established in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. In 1992, Prince Edward, son of Philip, took on his father’s legacy, assuming the role of Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Council.

Young people from ages 14-25 are eligible for the award. To be recognized, a participant must complete a six to twelve month project emphasizing the four tenants: social service, special skills, physical recreation, and adventurous journey. The program is self-directed and allows for a diversity of interests.

 

According to the program organizers:

“Most societies across the globe place great pressure on young people to succeed academically, but the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award allows youth to develop character and integrity in a non-competitive environment” 

It is the international emphasis of the award that has led Prince Edward to Nashville this week.  As the award’s website reports, the United States is just one of the 144 countries participating in the program.

At the award’s ceremony this Thursday, recipients representing of Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, Boy Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Montgomery Bell Academy, LEAD Academy, and the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Organization will be honored.