Character & Leadership Development
Character & Leadership Development empowers youth to support and influence their club and community, sustain meaningful relationships with others, develop a positive self-image, participate in the democratic process, and respect their own, and other’s cultural identities.
CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING
A small group leadership services club for boys & girls ages 14-18. Keystoners elect officers and plan and implement their own activities in six areas: service to the Club and the community, leadership development, education, unity, free enterprise, and social recreation.
A chartered small-group leadership and service club for boys & girls ages 11-13. A Torch is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to plan and implement activities in four areas: service to the Club community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.
Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier youth recognition program promotes and celebrates Club members’ service to the Club, community, and family; academic performance; spiritual values; life goals and poise, and public speaking ability. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, Youth of the Year participants are awarded scholarships to help them further their education. State Youth of the Year each receives $5,000 in college scholarships. Regional Youth of the Year finalists each receive $10,000 in college scholarships, renewable for four years up to $40,000. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000.
Our 2021 Youth of the Year is Arielle Williams. Congratulations Arielle!
Our 2021 Youth of the Year is Arielle Williams. Congratulations Arielle!
CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMING
A small group leadership services club for boys & girls ages 14-18. Keystoners elect officers and plan and implement their own activities in six areas: service to the Club and the community, leadership development, education, unity, free enterprise, and social recreation.
A chartered small-group leadership and service club for boys & girls ages 11-13. A Torch is a powerful vehicle through which Club staff can help meet the special needs of younger adolescents at a critical stage in their development. Torch Club members learn to elect officers and work together to plan and implement activities in four areas: service to the Club community, education, health and fitness, and social recreation.
Boys & Girls Club of America’s premier youth recognition program promotes and celebrates Club members’ service to the Club, community, and family; academic performance; spiritual values; life goals and poise, and public speaking ability. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, Youth of the Year participants are awarded scholarships to help them further their education. State Youth of the Year each receives $5,000 in college scholarships. Regional Youth of the Year finalists each receive $10,000 in college scholarships, renewable for four years up to $40,000. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $25,000, renewable each year up to $100,000.
More About Youth of the Year
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Each year, one exceptional Club member is selected to be the National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year serves as both an exemplary ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth and as a strong voice for all of our nation’s young people.
The journey to being named National Youth of the Year begins locally and progresses to the state, regional, and national levels. To achieve the title of Youth of the Year on any level, Club members must embody the values of leadership and service; academic excellence; and healthy lifestyles. They should exemplify the critical impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people. Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club members.
The Boys & Girls Club of Alton has been blessed with thousands of outstanding young people since our opening in 1947, including these Members that were recognized as our Alton Youth of the Year, State of Illinois Youth of the Year, and competed in the Regional competition:
Garrett Parker, 2012
Qu’ran Clanton, 2010
Reyniesha Sharp, 2007
Reyniesha Sharp, 2006