Boys and Girls Clubs welcomes new Youth of the Year initiative

NEWS RELEASE
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF CANADA/HYUNDAI CANADA
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TORONTO – Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, in partnership with Hyundai Canada, is thrilled to announce a national Youth of the Year initiative that celebrates youth leadership and achievement at Boys and Girls Clubs across the country.  

“Young people are actively building our collective future. Across the world, we have seen young community leaders raise their voices about issues that impact all of us,” says Owen Charters, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “We are grateful to Hyundai Canada for helping us create a platform that gives young leaders at Boys and Girls Clubs an opportunity to represent young Canadians, to advocate for issues that matter to kids and teens, and to give back to their communities.”  

Beginning in September, Club youth ages 15 to 18 can apply for Youth of the Year by submitting a written essay and video that showcases their achievements, service, and leadership to their Club, their school, and their community. Applications will close in November and six Regional Youth of the Year will be selected in February by a judging panel.

After participating in leadership training sessions, including public speaking, media training, and networking, the six Regional Youth of the Year will then be asked to complete a second submission. The second round of judging will determine one final winner, who will serve as Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada’s National Youth of the Year.  

In addition to leadership training, the six Regional Youth of the Year will each be awarded a personal laptop and a $2,000 scholarship to apply to their post-secondary education, while the National Youth of the Year winner will be awarded an additional $8,000 scholarship. The Boys and Girls Club of each winner will also receive funding towards youth leadership programming.  

“The future of our communities relies on the strength, creativity and dedication of the next generation’s leaders. It’s important for us to empower and support them in achieving their goals,” says Don Romano, President & CEO, Hyundai Canada. “We’re proud to partner with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada on this incredible program and help young people recognize and achieve their leadership potential.”  

Both Regional Youth of the Year and the National Youth of the Year will make a two-year commitment to serve as ambassadors for Boys and Girls Clubs on a local and national level, which will include both digital and in-person participation in speaking engagements, media interviews, and networking opportunities.

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