What is Youth of the Year?

Since 1947, the Youth of the Year Program has been the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens.

Locally, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County has had teens compete for 18 years. To achieve the title of Fresno County’s Youth of the Year, Club members ages 14-18 must be a member for a minimum of two years, and must embody the values of good character and citizenship; academic excellence; healthy lifestyles; and leadership.  They should exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. Becoming Youth of the Year is no easy task.

Once awarded this title, winners receive a college scholarship, visa gift cards, acknowledgement awards, and other special prizes. In addition to this, the first place winner will have the honor of competing for the Northern California Youth of the Year title.  If they win, they will be invited to compete at the State level and then move onto the Regional level.  The National Boys & Girls Clubs of America winner goes to the White House and meets the U.S. President, wins a car, and receives a full college scholarship.

This is our signature effort to foster a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to thrive and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy.