Youth of the Year

Meet Xavier B.

2023-24 National Military Youth of the Year

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Youth of the Year - Opening the Door to Great Futures

Honoring and Celebrating

The Nation’s Most Inspiring Teens

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National Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club kid can receive. The teen selected to be the National Youth of the Year represents Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the voices of millions of Club youth. And for more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and wellbeing.

Meet Asha

Our national teen spokesperson is a driven, community-minded individual on a journey to one day be President. Read more →

At Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we believe every young person has what it takes to reach their potential. Each day across the nation, we support more than 5,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in providing opportunities and experiences for America’s kids and teens to thrive. Having a place to belong and someone who believes in you can have a powerful impact. Our Youth of the Year are a shining example of this and exemplify what it means to be a Club kid.

2023 Finalists

Pacific Youth of the Year

Dalilah F.

Midwest Youth of the Year

Isabel S.

Northeast Youth of the Year

Daishanay F.

Southeast Youth of the Year

Abigail A.

Southwest Youth of the Year

Alejandra L.

National Military Youth of the Year

Xavier B.

2020 Finalists

2021 Finalists

2022 Finalists

2023 Military Finalists

Northeast Military Youth of the Year

Caleb P.

Southeast Military Youth of the Year

Hannah W.

Southwest Military Youth of the Year

Myshae A.

Pacific Military Youth of the Year

Mallory W.

2020 Military Finalists

2021 Military Finalists

2022 Military Finalists

Take Space & Make Space

Teens today have a lot on their minds — from school and what’s after graduation, to figuring out where they belong. Our 2022 Youth of the Year share how their Boys & Girls Club made a difference, as well their advice for fellow teens.

News & Stories

Six Years to Success: How Dalilah Reimagined Her Future

As Dalilah F. made strides to close a six-year gap in her education while overcoming a language barrier, she felt lonely and discouraged at times. But at her local Boys & Girls Club, she found the motivation to keep going and the self-confidence to succeed.

Late Does Not Mean Denied: How Daishanay’s Team Kept Her Moving Forward

When Daishanay found herself overwhelmed with juggling so many responsibilities at once, her Boys & Girls Club gave her the space to be a kid again and the motivation to move toward her goals with grace and confidence.

From Constant Change to Connection: Xavier’s Resilience

As a military-connected youth constantly on the move, Xavier felt apprehensive about forging new relationships. Visiting the teen center at his local Boys & Girls Club-affiliated Youth Center convinced him to step out and see himself in a new light.

From Shy Start to Community Leader: Alejandra’s Story

Club teen Alejandra aspires to help each member of her community be happy, healthy and financially secure. Her local Boys & Girls Club is where she gained the inspiration and confidence to follow her dreams in civic leadership.

Written in the Stars: Isabel Shines a Light on Growing Up in Single Parent Households

When her family dynamic suddenly changed, Isabel began taking on more responsibilities to support her single mom and 4 siblings. Read how their local Boys & Girls Club became a support system — and how Isabel became an advocate for kids from single parent households.

From Outsider to Inclusion Advocate: How Abigail Sparked Change

Abigail knows how it feels to be a teen outcast in high school, but at her Boys & Girls Club she found the support system she needed to use her voice to spark positivity and inclusion for all.

Toyota and Kohl’s are the Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year sharing a dedication to America’s youth. Toyota is committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs provide life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work; and Kohl’s is committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs provide staff training and curriculum updates focused on trauma-informed care, building practices kids and teens will need to build great futures.

As the Lead Sponsor of Youth of the Year, Mondelēz International, will engage with local Clubs year-round to help foster a new generation of leaders prepared to live in and lead a diverse global economy.