Advisor Resources

Adult volunteers are paramount to the success of The Congressional Award. Together, we work in partnership for the betterment of America’s youth.

the betterment of America’s youth

With the help of adult Advisors and volunteers, we have been able to reach out to youth groups, schools, and community organizations across the country. Groups such as Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, HOBY, YMCA, Outward Bound, and military installations have brought The Congressional Award to new heights.

With the help of teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors, we have been able to involve school organizations such as Junior ROTC, Key Clubs, FBLA, Junior Achievement, and many others. We have also worked with Congressional Offices that have been instrumental in our efforts to reach out to young people across the nation.

Need some additional help?

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the program experience, we would like to remind you about our monthly workshop series with program managers where you can ask questions and get a better understanding of the program.

Adicionales Recursos en Español:

INFORMACIÓN DE CONTEXTO (Background Info)
REQUISITOS DEL PROGRAMA (Program Requirements)
PROGRAMA DE BENEFICIOS (Program Benefits)
PUNTOS DE DISCURSO (Presentation Talking Points)
GUÍA DEL ASESOR Y VALIDADOR (Advisor & Validator Guide)
LISTA DE CONTROL DEL ASESOR (Advisor Checklist)

The role of the Advisor is to mentor or help young people in their work toward The Award.

The resources below should help answer any questions and help to further promote the program.

Advisor/
Validator Guide

Advisor Checklist

Participant + Advisor Webinar

Participant + Advisor PowerPoint

For the most in-depth look at the program from start to finish, read the program book.

THE INSPIRATION AWARD

The Inspiration Award is given each year to an outstanding Congressional Award Advisor on behalf of the Joint Leadership of the United States Congress and The Congressional Award Foundation Board of Directors. The Inspiration Award is presented before Gold Medalists and peers at the annual Gold Medal Ceremony. The leadership and service provided by each Inspiration Awardee through The Congressional Award has been just that, an inspiration.

FORMER HONOREES

2022 INSPIRATION AWARDEE

DR. MARTHA RAY SARTORMartha Ray Sartor serves as Associate Vice President for Family and Consumer Science and 4-H Youth Development. She began with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in September 2007 as Associate District Director-Delta and later as District Director-Delta for 25 counties in east Arkansas. In 2014, she served as the Assistant Director - County Operations. Her previous work experience includes 26 years of service in county, district and statewide positions with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. These positions included: 4-H Youth Agent, Home Economist, Area Agent, Area Family Financial Management Specialist, State 4-H Specialist, and District Director. She is from Ripley, Mississippi, where she was an active 4-H Club member. Dr. Sartor received her Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University in 1980 and her Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Secondary Education and Educational Administration respectively from the University of Mississippi. During her career, she has received numerous state and national awards.

2007

Rick and Cindy Jesinger, Idaho

2008

Elaine Steinbacher, Pennsylvania

2009

Jessie Blair, New Jersey

2010

Helen Gannon, Missouri

2012

Dr. Babs Bennett, New Jersey

2013

Betsy Gibson, Florida

2014

Julie Sorensen & Michele Tadlock, Nebraska

2015

Mary Rodgers, Pennsylvania

2016

| Laura & Michael O’Connor, Utah

2017

Dr. Wiley Dobbs, Idaho

2018

Dr. Daniel Moyer, California

2019

Lynn Lyons, Florida

2022

Dr. Martha Ray Sartor, Arkansas