Youth Advocates of the Year Awards

Geographic Scope: United States and international (primarily US-focused with some global recognition)

Focus Areas:

• Recognition of outstanding youth advocates leading tobacco control efforts
• Honoring young leaders promoting tobacco prevention legislation
• Recognizing youth exposing tobacco industry marketing to children
• Youth preventing peer tobacco use
• Youth advocacy across local, state, and national levels

Eligibility:

• High school students and young people who have demonstrated leadership in tobacco control
• Competitive application process
• One national winner selected annually
• One group winner selected annually
• Regional winners (East, Central, South, West regions)

Award Benefits:

• Scholarships and grants to continue advocacy work
• Induction into National Youth Ambassadors program
• Recognition at annual gala in Washington, D.C.
• Training and professional development opportunities
• National platform and media exposure

Background: Recognizes the most impactful youth tobacco control advocates and provides resources to support their continued leadership in the movement.

Application Process

Selection Method: Competitive annual application process

Timeline: Annual awards ceremony held in May (2026 gala scheduled for May 7, 2026)

Award Categories:

• National Youth Advocate of the Year (1 individual)
• Group Winner (1 group)
• Regional Youth Advocates of the Year (East, Central, South, West regions)

Requirements (based on past honorees):

• Demonstrated leadership in tobacco control advocacy
• Policy work at local, state, or national levels
• Community engagement and education efforts
• Evidence of peer influence and mobilization
• Creative campaign development and implementation
• Meeting with elected officials and policymakers
• Media engagement and public speaking

Application Submission: Specific application form and submission details not provided in available content; contact organization for current application materials.