The Colgate Women's Games is an amateur track series open to all girls from elementary school through college. Compete in meets throughout January. Finalists can win trophies and educational grants in aid from the Colgate-Palmolive Company. Registration is December 17, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Visit http://colgategames.com for details.

The Congressional Award is the U.S. Congress' award for young Americans. This non-partisan, voluntary, non-competitive program is open to all 14-23 year olds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional award certificates and medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Expedition/Exploration. Participants work at their own pace and are honored for achieving their own challenging awards. Visit www.congressionalaward.org for complete details.

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors outstanding young leaders who have made a significant difference to people and our planet. Their leadership and courage make them an inspiration to all. Annually the Barron Prize selects two winners nationwide. Nominees must be between 8-18 years old and have been the prime mover of a service activity. Winners receive $2,000 to be applied to higher education or their service project. Responsible adults who have knowledge of the young person and who are not related to the nominee can make nominations. For complete details, visit www.barronprize.org or file questions to ba_richman@barronprize.org.

The Christophers Poster Contest is open to high school students. Through original art, photographs and computer-generated artwork, students in grades 9-12 are invited to interpret the theme "You Can Make A Difference." Rules and entry forms are available at http://www.christophers.org/16poster_pr.html

Youth Service America offers grants and awards to support and motivate youths and youth-serving organizations to plan and implement service projects. Visit http://www.ysa.org to apply.

Presidential Classroom provides young people with an opportunity to go behind the scenes of the nation's capital to explore their interests in government and public policy. The program explores how policy is established and how the three branches of government work and interact. For details of the program, visit http://www.presidentialclassroom.org/

Mount Holyoke College is accepting nominations for the Take the Lead program which honors high school juniors. Take the Lead is an intensive leadership program for young women that will take place on the college campus in Spetember. For program details, visit www.mtholyoke.edu/go/takethe lead