First established in 1990, the Outstanding Filipino Youth Awards is the recognition and scholarship project of PNDA. Not only does it recognize the outstanding achievements of 8th and 12th grade students, or grant monetary awards to deserving high school seniors pursuing a college education, but also makes a statement about its concept of leadership in awarding the Gintong Lahi Medallion. The Gintong Lahi Award is granted for quality of achievement; for pride in ones Filipino American history, culture and ethnic identity; and for demonstrating a sense of community responsibility and accountability.