FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers for parents, before a first conversation.
Tallyhurst is an independent coaching practice that helps teenagers aged 13 to 23 complete The Congressional Award, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, the Youth STEMM Award and CREST Awards, online anywhere in the United States. Below are the questions parents ask most. Questions about a specific award are answered on that award's page.
Last reviewed: November 2026
Choosing an award
Which award should my teenager do?
It depends on age, interests and how much time is available. The Congressional Award suits students who want a recognized American honor built on service, personal development and fitness. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award suits students who want a globally known award with a strong outdoor element. The Youth STEMM Award and CREST suit students drawn to science and engineering. Many of our students combine two or more, and we recommend a plan in the first conversation.
What is the difference between The Congressional Award and The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award?
Both reward service, personal growth, physical activity and an expedition over many months. The Congressional Award is the United States Congress' award for young Americans, opens at 13 and a half and measures progress in hours and months across six levels. The International Award is a global framework delivered in more than 100 countries, opens at 14, measures progress mainly in months of regular activity across three levels, and adds a residential project at Gold.
Can my teenager do more than one award at the same time?
Yes, and many do. The programs share similar areas, but each has its own rules on what counts, so we plan one activity log from which every submission is written according to its own program's rules.
Do these awards help with college applications?
They give a student a documented, independently verified record of sustained commitment, which they can describe in applications, essays and interviews. We do not promise admissions outcomes.
Getting started
How old does my teenager need to be?
We coach students from 13 to 23. Each award also has its own minimum age: 13 and a half for The Congressional Award, 14 for the International Award, and 14 for CREST Silver and 16 for CREST Gold.
When is the best time to start?
As early as possible. Students who join us at 13, often in 8th grade, have time to reach the highest levels before college applications. Students who start later still have a clear path, and every level earned is a finished award.
Can homeschooled students take part?
Yes. None of these awards require a particular school, and homeschooled students often have more flexibility to build a strong plan.
Do you work with families outside the United States?
We coach families in the United States. The Congressional Award requires a US address, and our coaching, safeguarding and expedition support are built around American families.
What happens in the first conversation?
Twenty minutes with a parent. We learn about your teenager, explain which awards fit, and tell you plainly whether Tallyhurst is right for your family. There is no obligation.
How much does Tallyhurst cost?
Fees depend on the awards and the length of the program. We explain them clearly in the first conversation. Each award program also charges its own registration or entry fees, which we explain as part of the plan.
Coaching and accountability
Who does the work?
Your teenager does every activity and writes every submission. We coach, check, and keep the schedule.
What is the eight-day rule?
If eight days pass with no new entry in a student's activity log, we check in by email with a parent copied. If the silence continues, we speak with a parent directly.
What does my teenager need to take part?
A computer or tablet with a camera, an email address, and the shared activity log we set up at the start. Nothing else is required.
What if my teenager loses motivation?
That is exactly what we are for. We notice early, find out what changed, adjust the plan with your teenager, and bring you in when needed. A slow month should not become a lost year.
Can we pause the program?
Yes, for illness, exams or other serious circumstances. Each award has its own time limits, so we plan any pause carefully to protect the hours and months already earned.
Do you write or edit record books?
No. Every record book, report and reflection is written by the student, in their own words. The Congressional Award does not allow AI tools or extensive outside help to draft, proofread or revise record book answers, and we hold all our work to that standard. We coach the planning and check the finished record against each program's rules.
Safeguarding and privacy
Will my teenager ever be alone with a coach?
Never. Every online session with a student under 18 has a parent or guardian present, or a second screened adult, and every written message copies a parent.
Are Tallyhurst coaches background-checked?
Yes. Every Tallyhurst adult passes a criminal background check, completes child protection training and signs our code of conduct before working with any student. Checks are repeated every two years.
What information do you keep about my teenager?
Only what the coaching needs: names, parent contact details, ages and the activity log. We do not use advertising or tracking, and records are deleted 12 months after a student finishes.
Are sessions recorded?
Only with written consent from both parent and student, given at enrollment. Recordings are deleted after 90 days unless a concern has been raised.
Expeditions
Do you run expeditions?
No. The Congressional Award expedition and the International Award's Adventurous Journey must be planned and led by the students themselves. We coach the planning so it meets each program's rules, and in Florida we can arrange expedition support, with screened adults providing safety and logistics.
How are expeditions kept safe?
Every expedition we support has two screened adults at all times, signed parent consent and medical forms for every student, and separate sleeping arrangements for adults and students.