Youth of the Year Scholarship Program

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 ages 14-18.

Geographic Scope: Twin Cities area (local), Minnesota (state), Midwest Region, and National competition

Focus Areas:

• Leadership and service
• Academic excellence
• Healthy lifestyles

Award Structure:

• Local Level: Youth of the Month Winners recognized; one Youth of the Year selected per local Club
• State Level: $5,000 scholarship to Minnesota State Youth of the Year winner
• Regional Level: Additional $10,000 college scholarship, renewable for four years (up to $40,000 total)
• National Level: Six youth advance (five regional winners + one military winner); additional $25,000 scholarship renewable up to $100,000 for four years

Eligibility:

• Club members ages 14-18
• Must be nominated/recognized as Youth of the Month or Youth of the Year candidate
• Must participate in local, state, and/or regional competitions

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated leadership and service
• Academic excellence
• Health and wellness commitment
• Essay submission
• Personal interview
• Speech presentation

Application Timeline:

• Local BGCTC Youth of the Year event: February 4, 2026 (4:15-6:30 p.m.)
• State competition follows local selection
• Regional competition (Midwest) typically June
• National competition typically September

Contact Information:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
• 690 Jackson Street, Saint Paul, MN 55130
• Phone: 651-726-2582
• Email: [email protected]

Background: The program has honored exemplary youth for 77+ years as of 2025. Past winners have gone on to attend prestigious universities and pursue careers in education, social work, computer science, and other fields.

Application Process

Selection Process:

1. Club members ages 14-18 are recognized as Youth of the Month Winners throughout the year
2. Each local Club selects one Youth of the Year candidate
3. Candidates prepare applications and essays
4. Panel of judges reviews applications and conducts individual interviews
5. Candidates present speeches at competition event
6. Winners are announced at local, state, regional, and national events

Required Materials:

• Application form
• Essay (Youth of the Year narrative)
• Demonstrated participation in Club activities
• References/recommendations from Club staff

Judging Panel:

• Local level: Judges appointed by BGCTC
• State level: Panel of 5 judges
• Midwest Regional level: Panel of 7 judges

Key Deadlines:

• Local BGCTC event: February 4, 2026
• State competition: Typically March/April
• Midwest Regional: Typically June
• National: Typically September