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 represent 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 voices and shape their futures.
Our YOYs Have...
2026 YOY Winner
Congratulations to Aurora A., 2026 BGCAZ Youth of the Year
Aurora Archer is a junior at Perry High School and a proud member of the Chandler Compadres Boys & Girls Club. Her story is rooted in courage, creativity, and the rediscovery of hope. A lifelong lover of books, Aurora found comfort in stories—worlds where she could be brave, bold, and unafraid. Outside those pages, however, she often struggled to feel like she belonged, quietly reshaping herself to meet others’ expectations.
Her search for stability and purpose led her to the Boys & Girls Club, where she found far more than an after-school program. From her first day, staff members like Mr. Ben created a space of warmth and safety. The Club became the place where Aurora rebuilt her confidence, rediscovered joy, and formed meaningful connections.
She now serves as President of Keystone, and through an AZYouthforce internship gained her first job experience. Aurora is an honors student, and a member of National Honor Society. She plans to attend Arizona State University or the University of Washington to pursue a career in law. Aurora’s journey reflects the heart of Youth of the Year: resilience, leadership, and the power of being truly seen.
Could You Be a YOY? The Details:
Level 1: Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy (June – July 2026)
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 12, 2026
- Fun, interactive workshops
- Supportive staff to help you learn new skills
Level 2: Youth of the Year Journey (September 2026 – January 2027)
Level up even further! Only 8-10 students will be selected for this exclusive opportunity.
The Perks:
- Additional scholarship opportunies
- 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.
