Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year
Youth of the Year is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program for Club members, promoting service to Club, community and family; academic success; strong moral character; life goals; and poise and public speaking ability.
What is YOY?
An annual program of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Youth of the Year (YOY) is part of a leadership development and recognition program for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ).
Selected applicants embark on a life-changing journey that includes a 6-week leadership academy and a $500 scholarship for all who complete the program. Selected finalists move on to representing their club at BGCAZ's YOY event—and unlock additional scholarship opportunities.
From the Disney College Program to trade school scholarships and even trips to the Super Bowl, our Youth of the Year alumni have gone on to do incredible things. This program is a launchpad for teens ready to share their voice and shape their future.
Our YOYs Have...
2025 YOY Winner
Congratulations to Amaya G., 2025 BGCAZ Youth of the Year
A junior at Deer Valley High School, Amaya has attended the Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch for two years. Amaya was looking for a way to fill her time after school when it wasn't golf or soccer season, and her best friends encouraged her to join the Club. Amaya quickly began to feel right at home and treasures the time she spends in the Sands teen center. Club experiences like field trips to Northern Arizona University and volunteering to pack food for the homeless stand out because they’ve allowed her to explore her options for the future and give back to her community.
Amaya has seven siblings, with another one on the way! She was born and raised in Arizona and wants to stay in her home state near the rest of her family after graduation. She aspires to attend NAU and enter the medical field, with a particular interest in ultrasound technology. The Club has been instrumental in encouraging Amaya to reach for the stars, helping her build confidence, express herself, and work towards her dreams.
Could You Be a YOY? The Details:
Level 1: Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy (June – July 2025)
Your chance to level up your leadership game in just six Saturdays this summer.
What's in it for you:
- Learn skills colleges and employers look for: public speaking, interview techniques, writing for business and college
- Meet professionals who can hook you up with opportunities down the road
- Get $500 in academic awards for completing the program
- Add an impressive achievement to your college applications
- Create friendships with other ambitious students from different schools
Other Details for Level 1:
- Just six Saturday sessions starting June 14, 2025
- Fun, interactive workshops
- Supportive staff to help you learn new skills
Level 2: Youth of the Year Journey (September 2025 – January 2026)
Level up even further! Only 8-10 students will be selected for this exclusive opportunity.
The Perks:
- Additional $1,000 scholarship opportunity
- Potential to compete at regional and national levels with Boys & Girls Clubs
- Personal coaching to develop your story and presentation skills
- Connect with influential community leaders
Interested in Applying to be a YOY?
Here are the minimum requirements:
- Must be a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior
- Must have been a Boys & Girls Club of the Valley member for a total of at least two years—including former Metro Phoenix and former East Valley members
- Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Must be able to commit to all six program sessions during the summer
- AZYouthforce members are also eligible!
Thank You To Our Sponsor!
Youth of the Year is supported by a historic $1M investment in youth leadership development by Thunderbirds Charities.
