Meet Our Youth
Recognizing Excellence
The New Jersey State Youth of the Year Program celebrates and recognizes the extraordinary achievements of New Jersey young leaders. Youth of the Year finalists embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles; they exemplify the critical and life-saving impact Boys & Girls Clubs make in transforming and saving kids’ lives. Every year, local Boys & Girls Clubs select an exceptional young person, ranging in age from 14 - 18, to represent his/her Club in an exciting journey. With hard work, dedication and support from Club staff, nominees progress towards their goal of being selected as the New Jersey State Youth of the Year or New Jersey State Military Youth of the Year. Throughout the process, candidates engage in trainings that help develop their leadership skills to prepare them for the state competition. The New Jersey Youth of the Year program honors the most exceptional Boys & Girls Club teen leaders from across the state, and selects two outstanding individuals to represent New Jersey in the regional and national competitions.