Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy & Youth of the Year
Leadership Starts Here.
The Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy (TCLA) is the first step in Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s premier teen leadership journey. Through hands-on leadership development, public speaking, college and career readiness, mentorship, and community engagement, teens gain the skills and confidence to lead in their Clubs, schools, and communities.
Selected participants may advance to the next stage: Youth of the Year — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s highest honor for teen leadership and advocacy.
Application Due May 23, 2026
The Leadership Journey
At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, leadership development is more than a program — it’s a pathway. The Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy prepares teens with the confidence, communication skills, and leadership experience needed to succeed in school, career, and life.
For selected participants, the journey continues through Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Clubs’ premier leadership recognition program.
Level 1: Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy (June – July 2026)
The Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy is a six-session summer leadership experience designed to help teens discover their voice, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare for future success.
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
- Add an impressive achievement to your college applications
- Create friendships with other ambitious students from different schools
Other Details for Level 1:
- Just six Friday 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)
Selected TCLA participants may be invited to continue into Youth of the Year — Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s premier recognition and leadership program for teens.
Youth of the Year participants:
- Work closely with mentors and staff
- Develop advanced leadership and advocacy skills
- Share their personal stories and experiences
- Represent their Club and community
- Compete for scholarships and recognition opportunities
- Serve as ambassadors for Arizona youth
Outcome Statement
Youth of the Year empowers teens to become influential voices for young people across Arizona and beyond.
All participants who complete the Academy receive a $500 academic award.
Building Arizona’s Next Generation of Leaders
At Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, we believe leadership development changes lives. Through our Character & Leadership programs, young people learn to stay true to their values, demonstrate good citizenship, and drive positive change in their communities.
The Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy and Youth of the Year help teens strengthen:
- Confidence
- Communication skills
- Civic engagement
- Professionalism
- Goal setting
- Resilience
- Service leadership
These experiences help prepare teens for college, careers, and lifelong success.
Leadership That Opens Doors
Through TCLA and Youth of the Year, teens gain access to life-changing experiences, scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities.
- Disney College Program opportunities
- Super Bowl and major event experiences
- Scholarship awards
- College and career networking
- Civic engagement opportunities
- Leadership conferences
- Internship pathways
- Community service projects
Eligibility & Commitment
Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy Eligibility 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!
Completion of the Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy does not guarantee advancement into Youth of the Year. Selected participants demonstrating exceptional leadership, growth, and commitment may be invited to continue into the Youth of the Year process.
TCLA Applications Due May 23
Powered By Thunderbirds Charities
The Thunderbirds Charities Leadership Academy was created through a transformational investment from Thunderbirds Charities to expand leadership opportunities for Arizona teens and develop the next generation of community leaders.
This program equips young people with the confidence, voice, and skills to lead today — and shape Arizona’s future tomorrow.
Meet Aurora
2026 Youth of the Year Winner
Aurora A 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.
