A Premier Leadership Program

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrates teens for exemplary achievements in academics, leadership, and service.

Each year, one Club teen is awarded the Youth of the Year title, serving as ambassador for the Clubs and a voice for all members. The Youth of the Year receives the Keller Family Scholarship for post-secondary education (up to $10,000), a computer, and a chance to compete for additional scholarships and recognition at the state and national levels.

Diamond: $20,000
Platinum: $15,000
Gold: $10,000
Silver: $5,000
Bronze: $2,500
Supporting: $1,000

Diamond: $20,000

BGCCO Website (Logo)
Social media mention (Logo)
Youth of the Year sponsor packet (Logo)
Youth of the Year mailing announcement (Logo)
Two tickets to the event
Invitation, marketing materials & event program (Logo)
Event signage (Logo)
Annual Report (Logo)
Invites to year-round engagement opportunities
Co-Branded event sponsor
Opportunity to speak at the event

Platinum: $15,000

BGCCO Website (Logo)
Social media mention (Logo)
Youth of the Year sponsor packet (Logo)
Youth of the Year mailing announcement (Logo)
Two tickets to the event
Invitation, marketing materials & event program (Logo)
Event signage (Logo)
Annual Report (Logo)
Invites to year-round engagement opportunities

Gold: $10,000

BGCCO Website (Logo)
Social media mention (Logo)
Youth of the Year sponsor packet (Logo)
Youth of the Year mailing announcement (Logo)
Two tickets to the event
Invitation, marketing materials & event program (Logo)
Event signage (Logo)
Annual Report (Logo)

Silver: $5,000

BGCCO Website (Logo)
Social media mention (Logo)
Youth of the Year sponsor packet (Logo)
Youth of the Year mailing announcement (Logo)
Two tickets to the event
Invitation, marketing materials & event program (Logo)
Event signage (Logo)

Bronze: $2,500

BGCCO Website (Name)
Social media mention (Name)
Youth of the Year sponsor packet (Name)
Youth of the Year mailing announcement (Name)
Two tickets to the event
Invitation, marketing materials & event program (Name)

Supporting: $1,000

BGCCO Website (Name)
Social media mention (Name)
Youth of the Year sponsor packet (Name)
Youth of the Year mailing announcement (Name)
Two tickets to the event

2026 Youth of the Year

Congratulations, Emmily R.!

Club: Champion Companies Milo-Grogan Clubhouse
School: Africentric Early College High School & Fort Hayes Career Center (Dual Enrollment)
Career Interest: Law and Public Advocacy
Defining Characteristics: Resilient, articulate, and a passionate advocate for youth voice

“I want to be a voice for people who don’t always get one. I want to stand in rooms where people like me are often missing and make sure we’re seen and heard. I want to turn my pain into purpose.” — Emmily R.

Youth of the Year Finalists

Isadora C.

Columbus Africentric Early College High School Clubhouse
Akiah D. D.

Northland High School Clubhous
Jaiya K.

South Side Clubhouse
Meyah L.

Northland High School Clubhouse
Emmily R.

Champion Companies Milo-Grogan Clubhouse
Reggi'Nay R.

J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouse
Randy R.

Champion Companies Milo-Grogan Clubhouse
Purin S.

Louella Hodges Reese Clubhouse

Junior Youth of the Year Awardees

Junior Youth of the Year helps Club members ages 11 – 15 foster leadership skills and prepares them for later participation in the Youth of the Year program.

Arianna S.

KIPP Columbus School Clubhouse
Jordan S.

KIPP Columbus School Clubhouse
Xavier S.

KIPP Columbus School Clubhouse
Ashlynn D.

Louella Hodges Reese Clubhouse (Newark)
Braylyn L.

Louella Hodges Reese Clubhouse (Newark)
Mila R.

Louella Hodges Reese Clubhouse (Newark)
Cylen S.

Champion Companies Milo-Grogan Clubhouse
Gemma B.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Shawnee B.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Zoey C.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
LaNiyah G.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Alexandria L.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Jenson L.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Sophie M.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Khaniya R.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Jonah S.

Oak Street Clubhouse (Marion)
Shaydon M.

Sherwood Middle School Clubhouse
Earnez J.

South Side Clubhouse
Ty'Juan T. Jr.

South Side Clubhouse

Youth of the Year