YOUTH OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
Youth of the Year is America’s premier leadership and recognition program for Club teens. Each year, thousands of Club teens across the country participate in local, state, and regional Youth of the Year events.Â
At Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, high school members from our Community Clubhouses in Kennewick, Pasco, and Prosser participate in the Youth of the Year program each winter, with staff members closely mentoring each teen throughout the process.
Possibilities Start Here
Through the Youth of the Year program, high school teens across our organization learn valuable life skills that transcend their time at the Club.
Teens strengthen their communication skills through essays, speeches, and in-person interviews. They improve their leadership skills through service projects and volunteerism. They deepen their advocacy skills as they find their voice by discovering and standing up for what they believe in.
Throughout the process, teens develop and grow their ability to be a stronger leader for tomorrow.
THE PROCESS
The Youth of the Year program is a transformative journey of growth and self-discovery for teens across our organization. Starting in the fall, participants from our Community Clubhouses in Kennewick, Pasco, and Prosser work with a dedicated mentor to develop key skills and reflect on their experiences at the Club. With their mentor’s guidance and encouragement, they write multiple essays and craft a single impactful speech that tells their unique story.
By winter, each Club recognizes one exceptional teen as their site’s Youth of the Year, honoring their resilience, dedication, and vision for creating positive change in their communities.
After a powerful Youth of the Year Retreat held in early January, the journey reaches a key milestone in late winter at our annual Youth of the Year Celebration, where these inspiring teens share their powerful stories, showcasing how Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties has helped shape their lives and how they plan to give back to their communities and beyond.
During this event, one teen is named our organization’s Youth of the Year and will move on to represent us at the Washington State Youth of the Year Celebration in the spring.
2025 Youth of the Year
Robert G.
Robert has been attending the Club with his twin brother since they were in first grade. Growing up, the two were always seen as a set, making it difficult for Robert to form his own identity. But through leadership opportunities, service projects, and other Club programs, Robert began to discover his passions and develop his unique voice.
Previous Youths of the Year
Zaida E.
2024 Youth of the Year
As a homeschooled student, Zaida began attending the Club as a way to make new friends and meet other kids her age.
Dalilah F.
2023 Youth of the Year
Before coming to the Club, Dalilah found it difficult to talk to people and make friends in her life.
Wendy J.
2022 Youth of the Year
Cindy S.
2021 Youth of the Year
Throughout middle school, Cindy experienced depression and other mental health challenges.
Thank you to our Youth of the Year sponsor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions!
If you or someone is interested in attending to learn about the power of the Club through youth voice, email our Director of Donor Relations & Grant Management Brianna Harty.
