The Knights of Dunamis, named after the Greek word for "strength", served as a service organization for local Scout councils and also hosted occasional social events.

For about forty years after its founding, the national leadership of the BSA had an ambivalent attitude toward the Knights.

NESA offers an additional academic scholarship called the $50,000 NESA STEM scholarship (up to $12,500 payable for four years) to an applicant who plans to major in any field relating to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Each BSA region reviews applications and awards a varying number of these scholarships to local Scouts.

NESA merit scholarship applicants must be Eagle Scouts graduating high school or undergraduate college students no farther than completion of the junior year.

[2] Shortly after the National Eagle Scout Association was established in 1972, it began to make available a NESA Scoutmaster Award.

His rationale was that there is a need for recognizing Scoutmasters relatively early in their work in that position before they qualify for the Scouter's Key.

Other requirements include significant accomplishment in one's career and a solid record of continued community volunteer involvement.

The Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award (ESSPY) was created in 2010 to "recognize valuable service of an exceptional nature by a Scout to a religious institution, a school, community, or other entity."

[4] Local NESA committees may be formed at the council level to promote social activities and service opportunities.