Boys & Girls Club’s Military Youth of the Year Serve as Ambassadors for the Youth of the Nation

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has identified the need to prepare youth to become leaders ready to live and lead in the 21st-century workplace. Focusing on qualities such as communication, goal setting, and teamwork, the BGCA has developed comprehensive leadership programs which include Youth of the Month-Leadership Recognition Program, Junior Youth of the Year-Leadership Readiness Program, and Youth of the Year-Leadership Development Program. For the past 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has celebrated and honored the Nation’s most inspiring teens and their journeys.  Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected as the National Youth of the Year and will serve as an ambassador for the BGCA to use their voice to represent all youth in the Nation.
The BGCA’s Youth of the Year competition is designed for ages 14-18, where they can showcase their talents and achievements. The kids share their hopes and dreams and work towards a bright and positive future to win National Youth of the Year. Past honor winners have had great success in many fields including business, entertainment, politics, and sports.  
Throughout the Youth of the Year program, teens progress through local, state, and regional events, culminating in a weeklong celebration in Washington, D.C., where one is named the National Youth of the Year, the highest honor bestowed upon a Club member. The winner also receives scholarship money and opportunities to network with BGCA alums and other teens from across the world.
Chloe Smith is the reigning Columbus Air Force Base Youth of the Year. She went on to compete in the 2023 State competition in March in Gulf Port, MS, where she won Mississippi Military Youth of the Year. Chloe advanced to the regional competition in Atlanta, GA.
Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting journey that will inspire many teens. In January 2024, the Youth Center will host the base-wide competition to find the Columbus Air Force Base Youth of the Year. The winner of this competition will compete against other MS Military Youth of the Year for the State-level competition where they will showcase their hopes, inspirations, and dreams.
The CAFB Youth Center is looking for their 2024 Youth of the Year. Dedicated, hardworking, teens ages 14-18 are encouraged to sign up from now until 8 December to begin their journey.
For more information, please contact the Youth of the Year Coordinator, Javolco Johnson at 662.434.2504.