Eagle Scout

Eagle Scout Rank

Created in 1911, Eagle Scout is the highest rank of the Scouts BSA (formerly Boys Scouts of America). Because it takes years of hard work, service, and determination to become an Eagle Scout, this prestigious milestone is recognized across the country and the world. Prominent service personnel, astronauts, United States senators, and others count the Eagle Scout rank among their achievements.

Eagle Scout Requirements

Becoming an Eagle Scout takes perseverance and hard work. Scouts have to earn all the ranks in order starting with Tenderfoot (soon to be Scout). The following is a list of the activities the Scout will complete on their ​journey to Eagle Scout:

  • Be active in the troop for at least six months as a Life Scout.

  • Show dedication to Scout Oath and Scout Law.

  • Provide references from family, work, church, and other community groups.

  • Earn 21 merit badges.

  • Serve a minimum of six months in a leadership position.

  • Propose, plan, and carry out an Eagle service project.

  • Attend a Scoutmaster conference.

  • Pass a board of review.

Since it takes so much work, why do teens do it? Some recognize and appreciate the impact the award will have on their lives. Others are encouraged by their parents and Scoutmasters. For some teens, it is a family tradition.

Eagle Scout Benefits

The Eagle Scout rank shows that a Scout embodies Scout BSA qualities of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, friendliness, courteousness, kindness, obedience, cheerfulness, thriftiness, bravery, cleanliness, and reverence. Eagle Scouts embody the Scout Law and that makes them a person of strong character. These traits will help them in everything they do, from being a partner to a parent and an employee to a community leader.

Eagle Scouts value perseverance, discipline, motivation, leadership, accountability, and achievement. And those lead to tangible benefits such as:

  • College admissions: Admissions officers recognize the award and consider it in their decisions. Being an Eagle Scout won't make up for poor grades, but it can give an applicant an advantage. The officers may not be familiar with other awards or organizations, but they should recognize the Scouts BSA Eagle Scout rank.

  • Scholarships: Eagle Scouts are eligible for many scholarships. Unigo, a network for future college students, offers a list of Eagle Scout-only scholarships.

  • Military rank: Every branch of the U.S. military allows Eagle Scouts to enter at a higher rank and pay grade than others who are not Eagle Scouts.

  • Career: Many employment recruiters look for "Eagle Scout" on a resume, and the positive traits that achievement represents.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout can open employment doors throughout life. It is often the only high school accomplishment that applicants list on a resume regardless of age.