Glenn A. & Melinda W. Adams Service Project of the Year Award
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 National Service Territory (NST) consideration.
“Territory” ESSPY recipients are selected by NESA’s NST 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.
Through this award, Melinda and I wanted to shine a spotlight on the incredible work Eagle Scout candidates are doing in service to others.
Glenn Adams
Distinguished Eagle Scout and Past President of the National Eagle Scout Association
Nominations for the Award
- An Eagle Scout, parents, or any registered BSA 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.
Council Use Only
- On or before February 28, the Council must submit a signed copy of the completed nomination form in PDF format and a single PDF file with the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook, up to 10 project photographs, and any optional supporting documentation (drawings, new articles, etc.) to the National Eagle Scout Association using the electronic submission link in the application.
- Emailed or mailed submissions will not be accepted.
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
Downloads
ESSPY Nomination Form
Jan. 2024 Revision
Supply Item Description and Uniform Placement
Certificate; Service Project of the Year device worn on Eagle Scout knot (Bronze – Council; Gold – Territory; Silver – National).
Supply/bin item no.
Certificate (provided by NESA), Knot device (provided by NESA)
Contact the National Eagle Scout Association for additional information.
