Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award.

Recipients of the Gold Award who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements

Some universities and colleges offer scholarships to Gold Award recipients.

Yearly, GSUSA selects ten girls to be National Young Women of Distinction based on their Gold Award projects.

The Golden Eaglet, the highest award in Girl Scouting from 1916 to 1939, marked the beginning of a long tradition of recognizing the extraordinary efforts of extraordinary girls. From 1940 to 1963, the Curved Bar Award was the highest honor in Girl Scouting. From 1963 to 1980, the highest award was called First Class. And since 1980, the Gold Award has inspired girls.