Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year

Overview

The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) created the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) to honor Eagle Scout candidates whose service projects demonstrate exceptional impact and value. These projects support religious institutions, schools, communities, or other organizations and reflect the highest ideals of Scouting through meaningful service.

Past ESSPY-recognized projects have addressed a wide range of needs, including serving underprivileged youth, honoring veterans, supporting international communities, and completing initiatives that required substantial planning, time, and resources.

The selection process begins at the local council level and is overseen by the Council NESA Committee. Each council reviews submitted nominations, selects one outstanding project, and advances that candidate to the National Eagle Scout Association for Council Service Territory (CST) consideration.

At the territory level, recipients are chosen by NESA’s CST Scholarship Committee. Each Territory ESSPY recipient is awarded $350, which may be used toward future educational expenses or to participate in a national or international Scouting event or activity.

From the group of territory recipients, one national recipient is selected by a special committee of the National Eagle Scout Association. The national award includes a $3,500 scholarship, which may be applied toward future education or attendance at a national or international Scouting event or activity.

How to Apply

• An Eagle Scout, the Scout’s parent or guardian, or any registered Scouting America volunteer, with the Eagle Scout’s permission, may submit an Eagle Scout service project for award consideration.

• To be eligible, the Eagle Scout must have successfully completed their Eagle Scout Rank Board of Review within the applicable calendar year. All nominations must be submitted no later than January 31 of the year following the completion of the Eagle Scout Rank Board of Review.

• Nominations must be submitted to the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Committee of the council in which the Eagle Scout service project was completed.

  Example:
  An Eagle Scout who completed their Eagle Scout Rank Board of Review on December 16, 2024, must have their nomination submitted to the council’s NESA Committee by January 31, 2025.

To learn more visit; NESA Service Project Website