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.

In Loreto every TY student has the opportunity to complete the Bronze. In 2025/2026 for the first time ever we had 13 5th year students complete the silver and one Leaving Cert student has just registered for the Gold. More details can be found on https://gaisce.ie/