UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS PARTNERS WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD USA

UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS PARTNERS WITH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD USA

CHICAGO, Ill. — Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, which have been serving youth in neighborhoods with the highest hardship index in Chicago for over 100 years, has announced its partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International
Award USA (Award USA). Teen members of Union League Boys & Girls Clubs in Humboldt Park (Barreto Club and
Clemente Club) and in Pilsen (Club One) now have the opportunity to take part in Award USA’s Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards to cultivate resilience, confidence, and leadership. Notably, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs is the only Boys & Girls Clubs organization in the country to offer this program to its members.

To complete the Award program, youth participants are challenged over time with goals in four sections of activities:
skills, volunteer service, physical  recreation, and outdoor adventures. Youth who complete their Award at the Bronze,
Silver and Gold levels earn a resume level credential that is recognized worldwide. Upon completion, they are awarded a certificate of recognition, medal, and pin for their achievements at local celebrations; Gold-level Award holders are celebrated at a national Gold Award Ceremony hosted
biannually by Award USA and international dignitaries. Award Holders also are able to participate in a global alumni award
network as a result of participation.

“The Award is an incredible addition to the Union League Boys and Girls Club’s offerings. Working to connect
and extend the activities Club members undertake, the Award will also promote perseverance, goal setting, and activities
that enhance wellbeing, all of which are self-selected by Club members,” said Buffy Higgins-Beard, Award USA’s CEO.
“The result is young people who are ready for their future, and #worldready through the Award’s framework and the connections it makes between young people and mentors as well as their community outreach and adventures.”

“Union League Boys & Girls Clubs are proud to be the only Boys & Girls Clubs organization nationally to participate
in this valuable program,” said Union League Boys & Girls Clubs President & CEO Mary Ann Mahon Huels. “Both
organizations seek to empower and equip our youth to take on the best opportunities the world has to offer; we look forward to seeing our Club members gain confidence through these unique experiences.”

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