Since 1947, the Reader's Digest Foundation has recognized outstanding Club members by supporting BGCA's National Youth of the Year Program. The Foundation provides a total scholarship of $15,000 to the national Youth of the Year; $10,000 scholarships for each regional finalist; and $1,000 scholarships for each state winner, which assists these young people in pursuing a college or post-secondary education. 

All of our Youths of the Year, from our 1947 inductee Daryl Koch from Dubuque, Iowa, to our current national winner, have been chosen for their contributions to their community and Club while overcoming personal challenges.

The Reader’s Digest Foundation believes that learning opportunities and experiences are key to young people realizing their full potential. Because not all youth have equal access to these valuable experiences, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting partnerships and programs for underserved youth and their families, mainly in the areas of literacy and youth development. To achieve this mission, they:

• partner with local and national nonprofit organizations to create opportunities for Reader’s Digest employees to volunteer their time and share their expertise, as well as to jointly develop and fund related programs;
• encourage Reader’s Digest employees to contribute to their own communities through volunteerism and individual philanthropy; and
• provide college scholarships for Reader’s Digest employees’ children through a merit competition.