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EFSI has long been a supporter of charities and non-profits that help children, both in the US and around the world. We spoke to Suzanne Currie, CEO at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, to learn more about what they do and how they help.
Q: Suzanne, your role as CEO is relatively new after a considerable career on Wall Street in the hedge fund space. What drew you to this opportunity?
A: I’ve actually been connected to the Award for nearly twenty-five years. I first joined the New York Advisory Board in 2006 when HRH Prince Edward assumed the role of Trustee from his Father, HRH Prince Philip, who founded the Award in 1956. Since its founding, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has served young people in 168 countries, with more than 7 million Awards achieved. Seeing firsthand the transformative power of the Award, especially in the lives of young people aged 14-24, inspired me to accept the position of Chief Executive Officer after nearly 40 years on Wall Street, in the alternative investments sector. I’m passionate about helping youth unlock their potential and develop essential life skills that aren’t always taught in traditional classrooms. And this is precisely what the Duke of Edinburgh Intl Award USA delivers.
Q: Many Americans may not know there’s an Award program in the United States. Can you tell us about the organization’s efforts here and how many states currently have the program?
A: Absolutely! The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global framework that’s available in over 120 countries, and here in the U.S., we’re gaining huge momentum. We currently have Award Centers and participants across 30 states and are actively working to expand into all 50 states. Our goal is to ensure that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the Award’s life-changing experiences, whether through traditional or virtual Award Centers. The Award Program has 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and is a globally prestigious certification recognized by colleges, universities and employers as a high-quality achievement program, in the United States and around the world. At this very moment, over 1 million students are participating in the Award Program throughout the global Award community.
Q: Evidence suggests that post-COVID, many young people are facing increased struggles with mental health, depression, and learning retention issues. How has the Award USA program helped address these challenges?
A: The impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health has been profound, and we’re seeing a critical need for programs that support resilience, confidence, and well-being. The Award provides a structured yet flexible environment that encourages young people to set goals, develop skills, volunteer, and engage in physical activity. These experiences help build resilience, give young people a sense of purpose, and offer opportunities to work through challenges, which are all essential for mental health. Feedback from participants and their families has shown that the Award has been a valuable tool for rebuilding and recovery in these difficult post-Covid times. The Award has 4 Sections, Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service, and the wonderful ‘Adventurous Journey’ that engages students to pursue team building, critical thinking, and leadership skills in an outdoor setting.
Q: You’re working to increase the number of participants and raise significant funds through donations, donor-advised funds, and appreciated stock. How will these be used in your scholarship programs?
A: We are committed to making the Award accessible to as many young people as possible, including those for whom the program fee may be a barrier. Through scholarships, we aim to reach underserved communities and provide financial support for participation in the Award program. This funding allows us to remove the cost barrier and ensure that any young person who wants to join and challenge themselves can benefit from the Award’s personal development opportunities. Additionally, we are partnering with corporate employers who will offer internships and employment opportunities exclusively to those who have participated in the Award program. And with the S&P, the NASDAQ and the Dow Jones at all time high record levels, there could be no better time to donate your appreciated stocks to this charity who helps underserved students and communities and be the spark that lights their path to success in life.
Q: Finally, what is your message to parents, and why should they consider registering their children in the Award program?
A: My message to parents is that the Award is an investment in your child’s future. It offers a structured way for young people to explore new interests, challenge themselves, and develop skills like leadership, teamwork, and resilience. These aren’t just skills that look good on college or employment applications; they’re skills that set young people up for success in life. By registering your child in the Award, you’re giving them the tools to navigate life with confidence and compassion. I built a reputation during my Wall Street career for finding quality, valued, sustainable investments, with significant ROI. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award USA is without a doubt, a high quality, prestigious, valued, sustainable investment for any young person between the ages of 14 and 24. Come join us on Giving Tuesday to support this life changing program!
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Suzanne Currie is CEO at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
To donate, visit www.usaward.org/donate.
To register students in the Virtual Open Award Center, go to https://usaward.org/oacwelcome/