Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. The program demonstrates the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. Each year, one exceptional Club youth is selected as the National Youth of the Year. Over the ensuing one-year term, he or she serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people. The journey to being named National Youth of the Year begins locally and progresses to state, regional and national levels. To achieve the title of Youth of the Year on any level, Club members must embody the values of leadership and service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles.

If you are a member of the media and interested in engaging a current or former Youth of the Year for a story, please click here.