Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey Proudly Announce 2024 New Jersey Youth of the Year Finalists

16 Boys & Girls Club teen leaders will compete for the New Jersey State and Military Youth of the Year Title on May 8

New Jersey, April 12, 2024 – Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey proudly announces the 2024 New Jersey Youth of the Year finalists from 16 Boys & Girls Clubs across the state. This premier leadership recognition celebrates the achievements of Club teens and their stories of outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living heathy lifestyles. These teens embody the Boys & Girls Club mission, and the critical impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.

The Youth of the Year title is the highest honor a Club member can receive. Each year, two exceptional young people are named the New Jersey State and Military Youth of the Year to serve as exemplary ambassadors for Boys & Girls Club youth, representing the next generation of leaders. 

 With presenting sponsorship support from Amazon, Comcast, and Kohl’s, the New Jersey Youth of the Year celebration will be on Wednesday, May 8 at Montclair State University’s Conference Center Ballroom in Montclair, NJ. The evening will showcase all of the teen honorees, followed by an inspiring awards ceremony and the announcement of the 2024 New Jersey State and Military Youth of the Year winners.

“We are incredibly proud of all the New Jersey Youth of the Year nominees,” said Susan Haspel, State Director, Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey. “Being named the New Jersey Youth of the Year is a lifelong honor and accomplishment. As the New Jersey State and Military Youth of the Year, these exceptional teens will serve as strong voice for Boys & Girls Club youth, as well as all young people who more role models they can admire and emulate.” 

Founded in 1947 as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community, and Boys & Girls Club. The Youth of the Year program is supported by Toyota and Kohl’s. As the Signature Sponsors of Youth of the Year, Toyota and Kohl’s are committed to partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to ensure local Clubs provide life-enhancing opportunities for kids and teens to explore, develop and apply the essential skills they need to be successful in life and work. Youth of the Year representatives are the workforce leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow. 

This June, the NJ State and Military winners join other state Youth of the Year to vie for the Northeast regional title. If named the regional Youth of the Year, they will be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five finalists along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in September 2024 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota Corolla.

For more information about the New Jersey Youth of the Year program, event and sponsorships, visit BGCNJ’s Youth of the Year – 2024 | Boy and Girls Clubs in New Jersey

About Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey

Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is an alliance of 22 Boys & Girls Club organizations serving more than 55,000 youth ages 5-18 throughout the Garden State.  Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is a collaborative effort representing all 22 Clubs with the purpose of building local Club capacity; raising public awareness; and securing resources and financial support to increase the impact and reach of NJ Clubs. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey at www.bgcnj.org.