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Volunteer with iSTEAM

Earn Prestigious Recognition for Your Service

At iSTEAM Academy, we believe exceptional volunteers deserve exceptional recognition. That's why we not only provide our own volunteer certificates, but also help our dedicated volunteers pursue The Congressional Award—the highest honor the U.S. Congress bestows upon American youth.

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The Congressional Award: Your Gateway to National Recognition

What Makes This Award Special?

The Congressional Award is the only official, non-partisan recognition program established by the U.S. Congress specifically for young Americans aged 14-24. Since 1979, this prestigious program has recognized youth who demonstrate initiative, service, and achievement in their communities.

Why It Matters:

  • Congressional Recognition: Your achievements are officially recognized by the U.S. Congress

  • College Applications: Widely recognized by top universities including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Princeton

  • Career Advancement: Opens doors to internships with the UN, World Bank, and other international organizations

  • Lifetime Achievement: A permanent record of your commitment to service and personal growth

  • Media Exposure: Gold Medal recipients are featured on major news networks and official government platforms

Recent Impact Numbers

According to the Impact Report in 2024,  The Congressional Award recognized:

Program Growth & Recognition

  • 7,633 total awards earned across all levels

  • 724 Gold Medal recipients honored at the annual Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C.

  • 50,763 active youth participants enrolled in the program nationwide

  • 1,409 new registrations representing continued growth

  • 1,599 active adult mentors supporting participants (24% increase from previous year)

Community Impact Through Service

  • 772,126 hours of Voluntary Public Service contributed to communities

  • 532,420 hours of Personal Development invested in skill-building

  • 611,152 hours of Physical Fitness promoting healthy lifestyles

  • 24% of participants completed at least one STEM activity

Award Levels & Time Commitment

The Congressional Award offers six progressive levels of achievement:

Certificate Levels

  • Bronze Certificate: 60 total hours (6 months)

  • Silver Certificate: 120 total hours

  • Gold Certificate: 180 total hours (6 months minimum)

Medal Levels

  • Bronze Medal: 200 total hours (7 months minimum)

  • Silver Medal: 400 total hours (12 months minimum)

  • Gold Medal: 800 total hours (24 months minimum)

Gold Medal recipients are honored at an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Capitol with meetings with Senators and Representatives.

How We Support Your Success
Comprehensive Documentation
  • Detailed volunteer logs tracking your hours and achievements

  • Impact statements documenting your contributions to our programs

  • Reference letters from iSTEAM staff and supervisors

  • Photo and video documentation of your volunteer work

Mentorship & Guidance
  • Dedicated advisors to help plan your Congressional Award journey

  • Goal-setting support to ensure you meet all requirements

  • Progress tracking throughout your volunteer experience

  • Application assistance for award submissions

Diverse Opportunities
  • Flexible scheduling to accommodate school and other commitments

  • Multiple program areas to match your interests and skills

  • Leadership development opportunities for advanced volunteers

  • Special projects that create meaningful community impact

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