Great Futures truly start HERE!

The competition is underway to crown Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s 2025 Youth of the Year! The annual program allows exceptional teens at the 7 free-standing Boys & Girls Clubs to showcase all they have achieved.

Youth of the Year began in 1947 and has grown into a dynamic competition hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. Beginning at the district level, the winner then gets a chance to compete for the state title. The state finalist competes at the national level. The national winner serves as an ambassador for all Boys & Girls Club members. As a result, this program has been instrumental in developing youth leadership for over 70 years!

To be selected as a Club finalist, each teen must complete an application, three essays, three letters of recommendation, and an interview before a panel of community leaders. At the annual Youth of the Year Dinner, Palm Beach County’s winner will be crowned and receive a four-year university scholarship plus room and board. Many of the finalists go on to complete college or trade school. Some even decide to come back to Boys & Girls Club as staff while they complete their higher education.

Chilondra Sheppard is the Corporate Partnerships Director and spearheads the program annually. “Youth of the Year helps these young people find their voices to determine their future,” says Sheppard. Chilondra emphasizes how robust the application process is, highlighting that the candidates must be well-rounded. “Just that process alone is life-altering for some of the teens,” she explains.

The 11th Annual Youth of the Year Dinner will take place on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts in Downtown West Palm Beach. Click the button below to learn more!