Youth of the Year is our premier teen leadership program and competition–our way of recognizing outstanding Club members who model character, service, academic effort, and leadership. Throughout the year, Club teens build their stories, sharpen public speaking, and develop a service mindset with coaching from caring staff and mentors.

How It Works:

• Preparation & Coaching: Applicants strengthen résumés, write personal essays, and practice interviews and speeches with BGCP staff and community volunteers.
• Judging & Celebration: Finalists share their stories with a judging panel and at a community celebration where we honor their accomplishments.
• Ambassadors: Winners serve as BGCP ambassadors–lifting youth voice, representing our Clubs at special events, inspiring younger members and advancing to compete at the state competition for Oregon Youth of the Year.

Why It Matters:
Youth of the Year helps teens grow confidence, leadership, and college-and-career readiness skills–while opening doors to scholarship opportunities and professional networks.

Who Can Participate:
All Club members in high school are encouraged to apply each year. (We also offer a Junior Youth of the Year experience for middle school members to build early leadership skills.)

Get Involved:
Interested teens can talk with their Club Director about eligibility and requirements for participation. Community partners can support by volunteering as practice interviewers, coaches, judges or event sponsors.