Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s National Youth Award. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, to encourage young people to realise their potential through a proven Positive Youth Development Programme that provides structure, support, and certification for non-formal learning experiences for young people aged 14 to 25. The Award inspires young people to flourish through challenge, engage with their communities, build self-belief and skills, embrace adventure and wellbeing, and be recognised for their achievements.
The Gaisce programme has three progressive Award Levels -Bronze, Silver, and Gold. For each Award, participants must undertake Challenge Area activities including Personal Skill, Community Involvement, Physical Recreation, and an Adventure Journey, with each Award level requiring a greater level of time and commitment.
The Award is non-competitive and is led by each participant’s own choices and initiative. President’s Award Leaders deliver, guide and support Gaisce Participants undertaking the Award.
Our Values
Inclusion
We make sure everyone feels heard, seen, and supported.
Integrity
We always act with respect, fairness, and transparency.
Empathy
We listen, value and respect everyone’s story and experience.
Quality
We strive for excellence and continuous improvement in everything we do.
Gaisce Factfile
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1985: the year Gaisce was established, making Gaisce 40 years old in 2025!
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President, Dr. Patrick J. Hillery is Gaisce’s Founding patron. Our current patron is President Michael D. Higgins.
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We have over 1,300 President’s Award Leaders nationwide, based in any of our 800 Gaisce Award Partners.
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To date, more than 500,000 young people have registered for Gaisce and over 250,000 young people have achieved a Gaisce Award!
