The National Eagle Scout Association established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by an Eagle Scout candidate to a religious institution, school, community or other entity through completion of an Eagle Scout project.
Examples of projects that have been selected for the ESSPY include projects that benefited underprivileged children, recognized veterans, were international in nature, and have required significant time and resources.
Selection of recipients begins at the local level and is conducted through the Council NESA committee. The Council NESA committee selects a recipient for their respective Council from the list of submitted nominations and then forwards a worthy candidate to the National Eagle Scout Association for Council Service Territory (CST) consideration.
“Territory” ESSPY recipients are selected by NESA’s CST scholarship committee. Territory recipients receive $300 available for their future educational purposes or to attend a national or international Scouting event or activity.
The recipient of the national award is then selected from among territory recipients by a special selection committee of the National Eagle Scout Association. The national recipient receives $3,500, available for their future educational purposes or to attend a national or international Scouting event or activity.
Nominations for the Award
- An Eagle Scout, parents, or any registered volunteer (with the Eagle Scout’s permission) may submit Eagle Scout service projects to their local council for consideration.
- On or before January 31 the nomination must be submitted to the NESA committee of the council in which the service project was completed.
- Example: An Eagle Scout who completed an Eagle Board of Review in 2023, must have their nomination in by January 31, 2024.
Evaluation Criterion
- Project planning required
- Effort to develop the project, taking into account challenges overcome by the Scout such as disability or limited financial capacity for the Scout/Scout family
- Extent and character of leadership provided by the Scout
- Extent of achievement of the planned result, including changes or modifications required to complete the project
- Project’s impact on the beneficiary and/or on the community at large
- Did the project create a “leverage opportunity” where it inspires others to expand the scope of the project
- Originality of the project
- Scope of the work
- Time and materials contributed
- Level of skill employed to complete the project
Submit Your Nomination
Please use the form below to submit your nomination for the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Class of 2024 Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year. If the form below is not working, please click here to view it externally.