Duke of Edinburgh scheme gets $1.4m boost

Some climb mountains, some trek to far away places while others perform useful community work.

Now the federal government is doing its bit, with $1.4 million in funding for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

It coincides with the visit to Australia of Prince Edward to commemorate more than half a century of the adventure and community service scheme founded by his father in 1956.

Some 300,000 young people, aged 14-24, now take part around the world every year.

Eduction Minister Christopher Pyne said the scheme was a well-established and celebrated way to recognise young people's achievements.

"It is valued by educational institutions and employers and equips young people with practical and social skills to help them succeed in their chosen career path," he said in a statement.