NATIONAL YOUNG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
Every year, ten exceptionally inspiring Gold Award Girl Scouts are chosen as National Young Women of Distinction (NYWOD).
This honor is given to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors whose Gold Award projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge related to a national and/or global issue. These young women are taking matters into their own hands, generating much-needed change!
The NYWOD program perfectly reflects our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The program provides these young stars with the opportunity to inspire girls around the world and throughout the Girl Scout Movement—and serve as incredible examples of what it means to be a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™.
You can learn more about the 2017 awardees in this press release.
Did you know?
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NYWOD represent GSUSA as speakers at a number of local and national events.
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All selected NYWOD receive professional public speaking training.
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NYWOD have the opportunity to reach a national audience while highlighting the importance and impact of their projects.
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NYWOD are awarded college scholarships and other opportunities to sustain their Gold Award projects.
How are the National Young Women of Distinction chosen?
Councils are asked to select their top three Gold Award Girl Scouts using GoGold Online. Girl Scouts who would like their councils to consider nominating them as a National Young Woman of Distinction are required to use GoGold Online. GSUSA then ensures a rigorous review process, during which each application is thoroughly evaluated by GSUSA staff and an external panel of trusted partners. Once the list is narrowed, GSUSA's internal NYWOD team selects the top ten.
When are the National Young Women of Distinction selected?
Councils are asked to nominate candidates annually from April 1 through April 30. Following a two-month review process, ten new NYWOD are announced during the first week of July.
For more in-depth information on the nomination process, council staff can join GSUSA's Pearl community.
To find out more about the National Young Women of Distinction or to support the program, please contact us.
In 2016, Singaore's Hanna Chuang was chosen as the first ever Girl Scout living overseas to be given this award.