Since its inception in 1947, the Youth of the Year program has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s most prestigious honor, celebrating the exceptional accomplishments of Club teenagers. Youth of the Year honorees embody leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles, serving as powerful examples of the transformative influence Boys & Girls Clubs have on young people. These youth are not only leaders in their Clubs but are also champions in their communities and serve as inspirational role models for their peers.
Through monthly and annual recognitions, Club members aged 14 to 18 are honored as Youth of the Month and Youth of the Year recipients. These exceptional youth have the opportunity to advance to the state level and beyond, competing with other outstanding teens nationwide. Youth of the Year honorees receive college scholarships funded by local sponsors and supporters, helping them realize their dreams.
In 2024, Arya, a member of the Chico Teen Center Club and President of the leadership programs Keystone Club, made history for the Chico Clubs. Arya’s journey with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chico began 3 years ago. Her dedication and hard work led her to become our local Youth of the Year. This prestigious recognition fueled her competitive spirit, and she went on to win an impressive four additional competitions! Arya’s remarkable achievements culminated in her being named California State Youth of the Year, followed by the Pacific Region Youth of the Year. This accomplishment places her among one of the most talented youth leaders of millions of kids involved in Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. Boys & Girls Clubs engage youth in academic, health & wellness, and leadership development at 978 locations in California, serving over 334,710 kids and Pacific Region serving 942,096 kids across 1,465 Clubs in seven states annually. Arya’s success is a testament to the excellence of our Club’s leadership and programs.
This program is the foundation through which we empower young leaders like Arya, who embodies our mission and exemplifies the remarkable impact our Clubs have on youth.
Youth of the Year Program Supports Key Developmental Assets:
- Strengthens positive behavior, self-confidence, and overall well-being
- Cultivates interpersonal and public speaking skills
- Enhances decision-making and critical thinking abilities
- Fosters a positive attitude toward learning and personal growth
- Promotes sustained academic achievement and goal-setting
- Deepens understanding of citizenship and democratic processes
- Encourages personal responsibility, integrity, and high standards
- Develops leadership skills and teamwork capabilities
- Instills a lifelong commitment to community engagement and volunteerism
How Your Sponsorship Helps
Your support plays a crucial role in making this life-changing program accessible to youth in our community by enabling us to:
- Provide Youth of the Year scholarships and fund their future academic pursuits
- Offer leadership training, public speaking workshops, and mentorship opportunities
- Cover transportation and accommodation for state and national competitions
- Supply uniforms, event materials, and awards to honor Youth of the Year recipients
- Organize community service projects and volunteer experiences
Join Us in Celebrating Tomorrow’s Leaders
Partner with us to empower the next generation of leaders, providing them with the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Contact Rashell Brobst at (530) 899-0335 to explore partnership opportunities. Together, we can celebrate and support these remarkable young people on their journey to a brighter future.
Thank you to our 2024 Partners:
Annabel Grimm
Bill Webb Construction
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
Chico Rotary Club
Dale & Sheryl Bennett
Don Schukraft
Mark & Vickie Adams
Samia Yaqub
Slater & Son