The Young American Award is an award of the Boy Scouts of America for outstanding college students ages 19 through 25 who have achieved excellence in the fields of art, athletics, business, community service, education, government, humanities, literature, music, religion, and science; and have given service to their community, state, and/or country.

[1][2] The national award consisted of a silver medallion suspended from a red, white and blue ribbon worn around the neck.

Local recipients receive a gold version of the medallion affixed to a wooden plaque.

With the launch of coeducational Exploring in 1968, the BSA took on the role of soliciting and receiving nominations, and assumed the program in 1971.

This knot may also be worn by those Scouting and Venturing leaders who have earned the predecessor awards.