The Foundation: Driving the Award globally
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation is an international charity supporting young people to find their purpose, place and passion in the world.
We are the international charity that drives and supports the Award’s growth, access and impact across the globe.
Working in partnership with organisations and governing bodies, we oversee the licensing of Award operators – including schools, youth groups, employers and custodial institutions – in more than 120 countries and territories. With our support, operators deliver the globally-recognised Award, which provides opportunities for 14 to 24-year-olds to develop their interests, skills and life ambitions, inclusive of all backgrounds, locations, cultures and abilities.
Our long term ambition is that every eligible young person aged 14 – 24 will have the opportunity to participate in the Award.
We aim to increase the Award’s global access, reach and impact through:
- raising and granting funds to scale up operations and increase diversity and inclusion
- campaigning to raise the profile of non-formal education and learning
- broadening our network of volunteers, operators and digital systems
- ensuring participation is affordable for all
When it comes to creating empowered citizens who will go on to solve some of society’s biggest problems, we must acknowledge that many of life’s greatest lessons happen beyond the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award gives young people the chance to discover exactly that.
Founded in 1956, the Award highlights the value of Non-Formal Education and Learning. Today there are consistently over a million young people taking on the Award’s challenge to believe in the power of their potential, make a difference in their community and take control of their future. The result? Entire generations of innovators and changemakers who are truly world-ready.
