Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) is excited to announce today that nine (9) teen candidates will participate in the Annual Youth of the Year Competition. The title of Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s most prestigious honor bestowed upon an exemplary teen in recognition of their leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.
Candidates and their parents met with program advisors and Youth of the Year Alumnus on March 17, 2022 become more familiar with the process and to discuss the impact of Club programs supported by Youth of the Year.
Though the journey begins at the local level, these outstanding young people have an opportunity to go on to compete at the state, regional, and national levels
Candidates wishing to participate in the Youth of the Year program at the local level complete an application portfolio consisting of a candidate bio, resume and cover letter, three (3) essays (My Club Experience, What Matters To Me, Personal Growth), two (2) letters of recommendation (Club, community), and supporting documents.
The candidate who most demonstrates the qualities of leadership, commitment to academic achievement, commitment to advocacy, and commandment of public speaking will earn the title of BGCNW Youth of the Year and will go on to compete at the state level. In addition, the named Youth of the Year and runner-up receive scholarship funds for college. The Youth of the Year program supports several other enrichment programs for teens including College Quest, Wilfred E. Jennings Summer Leadership, and Liberty Keystone. College Quest is BGCNW’s signature college readiness program provides a range of services including curriculum analysis, college tours and research, standardized college entrance prep, financial aid guidance, and all other support necessary to guide Club members as they work toward high school graduation and prepare for post-secondary education and career success.
The Wilfred E. Jennings Summer Leadership Program is BGCNW’s signature job readiness program which provides teens the opportunity to build and enhance leadership skills, personal development, team building, money management skills, college readiness skills, and career experience through a combination of practical lessons and on-the-job training as counselors-in-training with our Summer Adventure Camp. BGCNW’s Liberty Keystone Club is the local Charter of the Boy & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen advocacy and service programs. With the guidance of Club staff, teens are given opportunities to make leadership decisions, serve others and engage in experiences that help to shape their knowledge of academic, career, community service, and teen outreach initiatives and projects.