Georgia Youth of the Year
Lead. Succeed. Inspire.
The Youth of the Year is Boys and Girls Clubs of America's signature character and leadership program that celebrates youth (ages 14-18) who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments.
Those selected are recognized for service to their Club and community, academic performance and contributions to their families.
Georgia has a legacy of young men and women who have made it to the Oval Office as the National Youth of the Year or were named Regional Youth of the Year.
Congratulations to the Georgia Youth of the Year Winners!
2022 Georgia Youth of the Year
Aliayah S.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia
2021 Georgia Youth of the Year
Destiny M.
Boys & Girls Club of North Central Georgia
2022 Georgia Military Youth of the Year
Ahsha B.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base
2021 Georgia Military
Youth of the Year
Destiny J.
USAG Fort Gordon CYS Services
2019 Georgia Youth of the Year
Damaria Gurley
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Georgia
2019 Georgia Military
Youth of the Year
Navaeh Shantel Wallace
Moody Air Force Base
Make a Youth of the Year Nomination
Local Clubs recognize members ages 14-18 who were Youth of the Month and select a Youth of the Year, who then participates in state competition.
State winners receive more than $7,000 in scholarships and participate in regional competitions. Each regional Youth of the Year, including regional military finalists, receive a $10,000 college scholarship (renewable for up to four years).
The National Youth of the Year receives a $25,000 scholarship (renewable for up to four years) and is installed by the President of the United States.
The application must be submitted through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year (YOY) Portal by the youth's Club by the deadline posted online. .
Youth of the Year Resources
(BGCA internal access only)
- Traditional Club YOY nomination packet .
- YOY Military nomination packet .
- YOY Application Check List.
- Links to recorded YOY trainings .
- Other helpful documents and forms .
If you need help with your on-going YOY program, check out the YOY Leadership Development Suite for all the materials you need to run the YOY program in your Club.
The 2019 Georgia Youth of the Year candidates at the Georgia Capital with Governor Brian Kemp
Congratulations to our Youth of the Year 2023-2024 Candidates!
