Projects & Awards

Leadership Projects & Awards Resources

Got an idea to make a difference? This is your chance to lead, take action, and get recognized for the impact you create. Whether you want to launch a service project, grow your leadership skills, or earn funding and awards for your work, Youth Service America (YSA) offers opportunities designed for young people to step up and lead change. Turn your passion into action, connect with a national movement of youth leaders, and show the world what you can do. 

Lead a Service Project & Build Leadership 

Identify a community need, lead or create a youth-led service project, and strengthen your leadership skills using Youth Service America’s free tools, trainings, and resources for youth leaders and adult allies.

Congressional Award Opportunity  

 The Congressional Award is a nationally recognized program that honors students for initiative, service, and personal development. Open to youth ages 13–23, participants set individualized goals across four areas—voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration—building leadership, resilience, and real-world experience over time. Earning a Congressional Award (Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal) is a meaningful distinction that can strengthen college applications while reflecting sustained commitment and achievement.
Learn more and register: https://www.congressionalaward.org/

Apply for a YSA Grant or Award

Looking for funding or recognition? Apply for Youth Service America grants to support youth-led service projects, and elevate youth leadership by applying for YSA awards, including the Everyday Young Hero Award, which honors young people making a difference through service.
Sign up to join YSA's Youth Service Briefing to receive updated information on grants and awards. 

Participate in Global Youth Service Day (April)

Join the world’s largest youth service event. Plan or participate in a Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) activity in April and submit your project for the opportunity to receive a grant and national recognition.
Learn more about GYSD

Share Your Youth Service Month & Global Youth Service Day 2026 Plans here at YSA website

YSA Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants Application

In partnership with The Hershey Company, YSA will award Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants for Youth Service Month & Global Youth Service Day 2026 projects and events. Youth changemakers—aged 5 to 25—in the U.S. and Canada are eligible to apply for these grants to lead and engage their peers in awareness, service, and philanthropy projects or youth voice, leadership, and advocacy events in their communities.  

YSA Hershey Heartwarming Young Heroes Grants: although 2026's grant deadline has passed this year (it will reopen next year), we encourage students to participate in YSA Global Youth Service Day event, register/report your volunteering and leadership activities on the YSA website and explore other available grant opportunities.