Rank Advancement Updates-updated 3/10/2023

Please keep the following in mind with regard to the Eagle Scout process: 

1. Effective October 1, 2022, within SHAC, all post-Eagle Board paperwork turned in for certification must be accompanied by the card indicating that the District Board representative has been appointed by the District Advancement Chair.  This card, commonly referred to as the "pink card," is being distributed to all districts during the latter part of August.  This new requirement must be kept in mind when units and district volunteers plan for Eagle Scout Boards of Review.
2. Reminder-effective July 1, 2021, all post-Eagle Scout Board of Review (EBOR) paperwork must be delivered in person to the SHAC Support Services office, as was the expectation before the COVID-19-related modifications. 
   1. The 2022 version of the Scouts BSA Eagle Rank has been added to Scoutbook. This version requires the Citizenship in Society Merit Badge to be completed in order to complete Requirement 3 (Merit Badges) and the Eagle Rank.
   2. All Scouts who have not completed the Eagle Scout rank (overall completion does not have a date in Scoutbook) have had the rank switched to the 2022 version. All completed requirements, except Requirement 3 have been migrated from the 2016 version to the 2022 version. If a Scout will complete all Eagle Scout requirements AND the Eagle Scout Board of Review prior to July 1, 2022, the Eagle rank portion within Scoutbook can be manually switched back to the 2016 version. To do this, go to the Scout’s Advancement page, select Eagle then set the selector at the top of the page back to 2016.
3. Extension requests are rarely approved and MUST begin by submitting the complete application linked below. See criteria in topic 9.0.4.0.
4. The unit leader conference can be conducted at any time while the Scout is working to progress from one rank to the next; leaving it to the last item OFTEN penalizes a Scout because adults are not available. 
5. Permission must still be obtained from the council Support Services office prior to conducting each and every Eagle Scout board of review (EBOR), including special permission to conduct any EBOR via videoconferencing.

   Extension Application

Life-to-Eagle Process and Forms

Congratulations on working with an Eagle Scout or taking on the challenge of becoming an Eagle Scout, a distinction that will stay with the Scout for a lifetime. 

Before the Eagle Scout Board of Review Checklist  Note About Digital Verification    After the Eagle Scout Board of Review Checklist   Life to Eagle Slideshow for candidates

The most current Guide to Advancement is the official source for administering advancement in all Boy Scouts of America programs. Summary:  

• Complete All the Requirements (9.0.1.1). Confirm that the following requirements have been completed before the 18th birthday: merit badges, service project, active participation, Scout spirit, position of responsibility, and unit leader conference. Note that the unit leader (Scoutmaster) conference need not be the last item accomplished. The board of review may be conducted after the 18th birthday. 
• Prepare the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook (9.0.1.2). Scouts must use the current Service Project Workbook. 
• Complete the Application (9.0.1.3). The Scout must complete the latest version of the official Eagle Scout Award Application (currently June 2022, as indicated on Page 2 of the application).
• Obtain Required Signatures (9.0.1.4). The unit leader and committee chair signatures represent approval for the candidate to move on to a board of review. In providing them, the signers carefully check the application. It may be helpful to compare the application to the Scout’s current advancement profile obtained through the BSA system or to a printout obtained from the local council service center. 
• Submit to Council Service Center (9.0.1.5). A copy should be made of the application; service project workbook; the Scout’s statement of ambitions and life purpose; and listing of positions, honors, and awards. The originals should be delivered promptly to the council service center. 
• Council Verifies Application and Board of Review Scheduled (9.0.1.6). Everything is checked against council records. If information in the BSA system or council files is incomplete, the Scout or the unit will be asked to provide certificates, blue cards, or other suitable proof that merit badges and ranks were earned and that dates are accurate. The regular use the of BSA Internet portal for reporting advancement will help expedite this process. If everything is correct, the council provides a verification signature, files a copy of the application, and sends the original with the service project workbook and other items (such as reference letters received) to the board of review chair or other designated volunteer. The board should be scheduled only after the council-verified application is received.
• References Contacted (9.0.1.7). Council advancement committee members—or others designated—have the responsibility to secure recommendations from the references appearing under requirement 2 on the Eagle Scout Rank Application. 
• Application Returned to Council Service Center (9.0.1.8). If a board of review approves a candidate, the signed application, reference letters, and any information that might be considered confidential are returned to the local council. Unless otherwise directed, the service project workbook and statement of ambitions and life purpose (requirement 7, Eagle Scout Rank Application) can be returned to the Scout. 
• Council Sends Application to National Advancement Team (9.0.1.9).  
• National Advancement Team Returns Credentials (9.0.1.10) The National Advancement Team validates all applications received. Then the National Distribution Center generates the credentials and prints, packages, and mails the certificate, pocket card, and congratulatory letter to the council. Applications sent for manual processing go to the National Advancement Team and take several weeks to complete. Upon receipt of the Eagle credentials, council service center personnel will alert unit leadership immediately. The Eagle Scout should immediately verify that their name is spelled correctly. 

Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application

The Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application (part of the Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook) must be used by Scouts to obtain approval for Eagle Scout project fundraising or securing donations of materials for their Eagle projects. This is necessary for all circumstances except when all contributions are from the candidate, their parents or relatives, unit or chartering organization, parents or other members of their unit, or the beneficiary of the project. Scouts should submit the fillable form to the council for consideration. The Scout should also print a copy and include it with the project plan. Within two business days, the Scout will receive an email response either seeking additional information or providing project funding approval. When approved, a copy of the approval email is to be included with the fundraising application as a part of the Scout's project plan.

• Submit fundraising applications via email eagleprojectfundraisingapproval@shac.org
• Project must be approved in advance: Eagle Scout Service Project Fundraising Application
• Project must be done in the name of the beneficiary (not the troop).
• Beneficiary organization retains leftover funds.
• If the troop is holding project funds, these funds must be turned over to the project beneficiary immediately after expenses have been paid.
• Gift documentation must come from the project beneficiary
• Realize that approaches to big box stores will be met with a request for a tax letter, which you may or may not be able to secure from your project beneficiary.
• Parents should let their Scout provide leadership and resist the temptation of raising funds or using their influence.
• A Scout is courteous – and should follow up with a note of thanks
• Guide to Advancement (section 9)

Resources

Eagle Scout Paperwork

Find the most current forms at www.scouting.org/advancement for:

• Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges
• Belated Eagle Scout Rank Application
• Eagle Scout Rank Application
• Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
• Eagle Scout Service Project Coach Application
• Individual Scout Advancement Plan
• Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project; Information for Project Beneficiaries
• Request for Extension of Time to Earn Eagle Scout Rank

Questions

For questions, contact the district advancement chair.