As a homeschooling family with two high school kids, we know that free time is at a premium. Consequently, we have been very intentional about crafting the high school transcript so that (1) the choices we make reflect each child’s unique talents, gifts, and passions and (2) we find activities that we can do together. A friend told me about the Congressional Award a few years ago, and although it is a lot of work, it meets both criteria for a high school transcript winner!
Would you like to learn more about how to use the Congressional Award in making that homeschool high school transcript zing? You can find my article, “From Transcript to Transformation,” on page 16 of the June 2010 issue of Heart of the Matter Online (Focus on High School) which details my experience with the Congressional Award, so go have a look. And here’s my personal recommendation: don’t wait until high school to start accumulating your community service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition hours. A fourteen year old qualifies, so go on and start now.
Even if you are not homeschooling high school yet, you’ll want to visit the Heart of the Matter website because there are tons of helpful homeschooling resources as well as live homeschool conferences which will meet your needs whether you are homeschooling a toddler or a high school teen. In fact, Heart of the Matter is one of my favorite websites for fresh, timely homeschooling resources. Enjoy!
Hi, Diane. Just wanted to share our recent experience with Congressional Award. Sarah applied in March and received the confirmation mid-May. So let folks know to be patient with the application process.
Hi Sheri,
“Be patient”…great advice! I would also like to say that this is not a ‘freebie’ type of award…your teen will have to earn it. Don’t be discouraged if your initial submission is bumped back for clarification. A couple of months after Meredith sent in her paperwork, she received a letter asking for more details. One question in particular related to “proselytizing” during a service project, so be careful how you word your short answer essays. In her zeal, Meredith mentioned Jesus, and we had to have her advisor sign a written statement that she did more to help the community than make converts! Separation of church and state…:-)
Yes, I’ve heard a similar story from a friend who included volunteer hours with a crisis pregnancy center. Sadly, she is out of time to make up the hours because she turned 24 before receiving the rejection.
Oh how frustrating!
Thank you for sharing Diane. I have 2 1/2 years before my oldest can use this but I have passed this along to our assessor here in Ohio so she can share with others.
I have also shared this with our Girl Scout Troop leader, it may be a way she can keep the girls active through high school since so many seem to drop out during that time period.
Great idea, Linda! You might be able to structure your scout activities to meet both goals. Senior Girl Scout status and Congressional Award would be a super combination on the high school transcript.
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My teen is currently working on the Congressional Award. I would love to hear from more folks who are also working on it. She could really use some directions with the activities and planning. I think we need a mentor! LOL!