The Congressional Award

Last week I had the privilege of attending the National Conference on Youth Justice. It was powerful hearing from youth justice professionals across the United States. I was honored to inform youth justice leaders about The Congressional Award , hoping to connect more system-involved youth with this amazing program. Meeting young people who were involved in the juvenile justice system was motivating. Witnessing their perseverance firsthand left a lasting impression on me. Persistent traumatic experiences shouldn’t bar aspiring youth from achieving their dreams. This experience has deepened my commitment to providing system-impacted youth with rewarding leadership opportunities. Investing in their futures has become my lifelong mission, and I'm grateful to continue this work at The Congressional Award. Thank you to the Innovation Center for Youth Justice for sponsoring my attendance at this convention, and thank you to OJJDP for providing such a valuable experience that has strengthened my passion for youth justice.

I am deeply honored to have received the The Congressional Award Bronze Medal Award, presented by Josh Gottheimer Along with this prestigious recognition, I was also humbled to receive a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in my name. This milestone reflects a commitment to personal growth, community service, and perseverance. I am inspired to continue this journey as I strive toward earning the Silver and Gold Congressional Medals. Thank you to all who have supported and encouraged me along the way. Together, we can make a lasting impact! #CongressionalMedal #CommunityService #StriveForExcellence

We’re thrilled to invite you to showcase your creativity and be part of something inspiring! Please follow these instructions when submitting your artwork for consideration in our 2025 Congressional Award Calendar! 1. Create an original design or artwork that embodies the chosen theme. Feel free to use various artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, digital art, or photography. 2. Submit your work by November 30, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered. 3. Send your artwork in high-resolution digital format (JPEG or PNG) to the link below! Please include your full name and follow further instructions on the form on how to name your files. 4. Along with your artwork, submit a brief artist statement (150 words max) explaining the inspiration behind your design and how it connects to the chosen theme. 5. By submitting your artwork, you grant permission for its use in the 2025 Congressional Award Calendar and any future uses. 6. We will reach out to you if your work is selected. Selected work will be credited to the artists in the calendar. We can’t wait to see the incredible art you’ll bring to this project and to make this calendar a cherished keepsake for our end-of-year donors. For questions or assistance, reach out anytime at [email protected] To submit your artwork, go to https://lnkd.in/ecbRHeHd

At the Congressional Award, we are forever grateful for the sacrifices made by veterans to protect our freedoms. Happy Veterans Day!

This past October, Ethan and Luke Preyss hosted an Automotive Safety & Maintenance 101 workshop for local teens in Danville, Indiana. Sixteen teens between the ages of 14 and 17 attended the workshop. Ethan and Luke prepared a PowerPoint presentation with 57 slides and included hands-on activities. The Learn to Lead grant from the National 4-H Council covered the expenses. The event taught participants how to change flat tires, check oil levels, and change headlights and taillights. After the workshop, attendees reported 100% confidence in safely maintaining their vehicles. Teens also left the workshop with safety glasses, work gloves, a tire gauge, and more! The Preyss brothers are setting an example of using one's skills and interests to aid one's local community and make it a safer and more informed place. These young men earned their Congressional Award Silver Medals earlier this year! Well done, and happy #NationalSTEMDay!

This #NationalSTEMDay, we’re celebrating tomorrow’s innovators and proudly supporting the next generation of STEM leaders. Earlier this year, through our partnership with The Congressional Award we commended the achievements of young STEM Stars at the Gold Medal Summit. These exceptional students earned the prestigious Gold Medal Award – the highest honor for youth civilians that Congress bestows – and were further recognized for their dedication to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.? Ferring is proud to empower future leaders in STEM.? This post is intended for a US audience.?

Thank you, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, for presenting Shreeya Gedda with her Bronze and Silver Congressional Award medals. Keep striving toward excellence and improving your community, Shreeya! If you are a Representative who wants to share your Award Presentation, then please fill out the following form: https://lnkd.in/eGZQtMN4

Calling all entrepreneurs and future CEOs! The Congressional Award is partnering with Intuit for a special webinar on December 3, 2024, focusing on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Join us for an inspiring session where entrepreneurial experts share their insights on starting and growing your own business and offer advice on everything from mindset to practical steps for launching your venture. This webinar is free to all Congressional Award participants and friends of the program and recorded for later access on our website and YouTube channel. Participants can even earn Personal Development credit for attending! To register for the webinar, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eiZ_ihR7

Wish of a Lifetime is proud to be able to deliver over 200,000 roses across the country on Valentine’s Day, and we need your help to make sure every rose finds an older adult. Please sign up by November 15th to be eligible to receive your free roses to hand out to senior living communities across the United States as a part of Wish of a Lifetime’s 12th annual Cupid Crew! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eD_UyBUP

Dhruva Sharma has used his technological gifts to aid his community and showcase the power of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). He is the team and programming captain of his FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics team and was the lead programmer and robot driver at the FTC World Championship in 2022. His team won the World Championship title. Dhruva also invented Transcend Traffic ?, which earned him a patent application award. The system optimizes traffic flow, enhances road safety, and minimizes accidents. Lastly, he represented Florida at the National STEM Festival in Washington D.C., earning the title of National STEM Champion, and participated in the Congressional App Challenge. He writes, “I have also participated in Science Fairs, earning regional and state awards, and was a finalist at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). My participation in the Congressional App Challenge was driven by my desire to help my community in times of need. The devastation caused by Hurricane Ian inspired me to develop the Assistance In a Disaster (A.I.D) app, which won in the FL-19 district in 2023. The app connects individuals in real time, allowing them to offer or request help during natural disasters, fostering a stronger, more resilient community. Through these experiences, I have developed technical skills in programming, engineering, and invention and gained invaluable insights into leadership, advocacy, and the importance of community engagement. I am committed to continuing my efforts to advocate for increased STEM funding and ensuring that every student interested in STEM has the opportunity to explore and excel in this field.”