Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year program, sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation, celebrates leadership, character and service. It recognizes teens for outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club.

Youth of the Year program participants organize service projects, volunteer at the Club throughout the year and serve as role models, spokespersons and ambassadors. From delivering speeches to civic groups to working in the computer lad and providing homework help for younger members, Youths of the Year play a vital role in Club life. They deserve to be honored for their efforts to make the Club and community a better place. After all, recognition is a key element for deepening our impact on youth and is integral to the Club experience.

Participants are chosen on local and state levels, with five regional winners meeting each September in Washington, D.C. to complete for the National Youth of the Year title.
Youth of the Year fulfills a one-term as representative and spokesperson for Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club.