Youth of the Year Scholarship

Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles.

Geographic Scope: Twin Cities, Minnesota, with state and national competition opportunities

Eligibility:

• Club members ages 14 to 18
• Must demonstrate academic excellence
• Must demonstrate commitment to health & wellness
• Must demonstrate service leadership

Award Structure:

• Local Level: Recognition as Youth of the Month Winners and selection as Club Youth of the Year
• State Level: $5,000 scholarship; advances to regional competitions
• Regional Level: Additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years up to $40,000
• National Level: Six youth advance (five regional winners and one military winner); chance to compete for additional $25,000 scholarship, renewable up to $100,000 for four years

Selection Process:

• Panel of judges reviews applications
• Individual interviews conducted
• Candidates present speeches
• Evaluated on academic excellence, health & wellness, and service leadership

Application Process

The application process follows a tiered competition structure:

1. Local Club Level:
   • Club members ages 14-18 are recognized as Youth of the Month Winners
   • A Youth of the Year is selected from local club members
   • Club selection process varies by location
2. State Competition:
   • Local Youth of the Year winner advances to Minnesota state competition
   • Candidates submit applications
   • Interviews are conducted
   • Candidates present speeches
   • Panel of five judges evaluates all materials
3. Regional Competition:
   • State winner advances to Midwest regional competition
   • Similar application, interview, and speech components
   • Panel of seven judges evaluates candidates
4. National Competition:
   • Regional winner advances to national Boys & Girls Clubs of America competition
   • National competition includes five regional winners plus military Youth of the Year

Required Materials:

• Application (specific requirements not detailed)
• Interview participation
• Speech presentation

Note: Contact your local Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities location for specific application details and deadlines.