One hundred years after Arthur Eldred of New York earned this nation’s first Eagle Scout Award, new, independent research demonstrates the significant, positive impact Eagle Scouts have on society every day. Since it was first awarded in 1912, more than 2 million young men have achieved the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank. The study conducted by Baylor University, Merit Beyond the Badges, found that Eagle Scouts are more likely than men who have never been in Scouting to:

Have higher levels of planning and preparation skills, be goal-oriented, and network with others

Be in a leadership position at their place of employment or local community

Report having closer relationships with family and friends

Volunteer for religious and nonreligious organizations

Donate money to charitable groups

Work with others to improve their neighborhoods

This independent research was funded by the Templeton Foundation and conducted by Baylor University. The Boy Scouts of America has linked to it with the permission of Baylor University Institute for Studies of Religion, Program on Prosocial Behavior.

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