Union League Boys and Girls Clubs Youth of the Year

Youth of the Year is a cornerstone leadership development experience at Union League Boys and Girls Clubs, designed to help young people develop the skills, confidence, and voice they need to succeed beyond the Club.

The program operates alongside Keystone Club for high school youth and Torch Club for elementary students and plays a critical role in preparing participants for college, careers, and future leadership opportunities.

Who Participates and Where

Union League Boys and Girls Clubs currently supports Youth of the Year participation across:

2 Clubhouse sites

6 school-based sites

Each year, this results in approximately:

6 Junior Youth of the Year participants

4 Senior Youth of the Year participants

About 10 total contestants across all sites

Selection Process

Youth of the Year selection occurs at the site level and reflects the unique structure and needs of each location.

All participants complete required application materials

Selection methods vary based on site size, staffing, and student population

School-based sites often identify youth who best represent their community and demonstrate readiness

Clubhouse sites may use internal competitions or broader evaluations

Final site representatives are selected by staff through consensus

This flexible approach maintains program integrity while allowing sites to meet youth where they are.

What Participation Involves

Youth of the Year is a structured, skills-based process that includes:

Written applications and personal essays

Prepared speeches

Interviews and leadership evaluations

Youth receive coaching and preparation from Club staff, often supported by Associate Board members, including:

Essay drafting and refinement

Public speaking practice

Interview preparation and feedback

There is no formal site-level event night. Preparation and evaluation take place internally throughout the process.

National Alignment

The Youth of the Year framework and curriculum are provided by Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Union League Boys and Girls Clubs follows these national standards while adapting implementation to serve both Clubhouse and school-based environments effectively.

Leadership Development Impact

Youth of the Year is a key component of ULBGC's leadership pipeline. Through participation, youth develop:

Self-confidence and self-advocacy

The ability to tell their own story with clarity and purpose

Strong public speaking and interview skills

An understanding that they are being evaluated in every room they enter, a critical life skill for college, careers, and leadership roles

For many participants, this is their first exposure to leadership development at this level. The program teaches youth how to articulate who they are, what they stand for, and the value they bring.

Program Scope and Lasting Value

Youth of the Year is not a year-long program for all members. Participation is selective, but its impact extends far beyond those who advance. Even youth who do not move forward gain transferable skills that support success in school, college and job interviews, leadership roles, and life beyond the Club.

When included on a college application or resume, Youth of the Year serves as a powerful differentiator and often elevates youth to the top of consideration lists.

Why Youth of the Year Matters

Youth of the Year prepares young people to enter any space with confidence, clarity, and the ability to advocate for themselves. It strengthens Union League Boys and Girls Clubs' mission and represents a meaningful investment in the next generation of leaders.


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