The work to become an Eagle Scout or Gold Award could pay off with a small college scholarship in the future.

Assemblywoman Alexis Weik, R-Patchogue, is sponsoring legislation (S.9531) that would amend the state Education Law to create a Gold Award and Eagle Scout Achievement Scholarship to a SUNY or CUNY college. The scholarship, as proposed, is $500 a year for four years, with a fifth year possible for some programs.

The Eagle Scout is the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America while the Gold Award is the highest designation possible in the Girl Scouts of America.

“Recipients of these prestigious awards follow a rigorous course of standards to devise, develop and implement initiatives that address real-world problems and improve the quality of life for families and individuals in their communities,” Weik wrote in her legislative justification. “They are achievers who, through their projects, learn to set goals, take action, build teams, lead and inspire others — skills that will help them excel in meeting any challenge they face in school and their careers.”

According to the Boy Scouts of America, roughly 4% of Boy Scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout. Doing so includes climbing seven levels of scouting ranks, earning 21 merit badges, compelling an Eagle service project, become a leader within their troop, and preparing a final Eagle Scout Binder.

Gold Award Girl Scouts can be in ninth through 12th grades, be a registered Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador. have completed two Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or have earned the Girl Scout Silver Award and completed one Senior or Ambassador Journey. Roughly 6% of Girl Scouts earn Gold Award status.

“New York state has a long tradition of programs that recognize and encourage student success and achievement. Supporting our future leaders is a worthwhile goal and creation of a scouting award achievement scholarship rewards these exceptional young people for their hard work and provides encouragement for them to continue on their path to success,” Weik wrote.