YOUTH of the YEAR
The Youth of the Year is an annual award that is presented to a Teen Recipient who will represent the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, as well as Club Youth, Club Values and Club Brand at all of the Club’s events for one year. A youth leader is selected based on their demonstrated commitment to the Club, the Staff and their own personal growth as a Club Member. The winner of the BGCKC Youth of the Year award will go on to compete in the California Central Coast & Valley competition with the opportunity to go on to the California, Regional and the National competitions. The Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club kid can receive. The teen selected to be the National Youth of the Year represents Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the voices of millions of Club youth. And for more than 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to health and wellbeing.
ADVANCED EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Education is key to the development of any young person. As part of the Boys & Girls Club’s commitment to helping our youth create Great Futures, we have created the Advanced Education Scholarship Fund that provides our community with a vehicle in which to make significant investment in young people’s lives and goals by focusing on the education, training and career paths of our young leaders.
Through the generous support of donors, youth participating in Club programs can apply for support for vocational training, certifications, and college. The Advanced Education Scholarship Fund also provides recognition for community service, impact, and excellence in character for students who wish to pursue some form of education beyond high school.
For many of our youth, higher education and career paths are put aside due to financial barriers. In so many other ways the Boys & Girls Club has successfully championed challenges such as accessible after-school programs, transportation, meals, and social emotional support. It only makes sense that we help our students achieve a successful path to adulthood. We dream of building a substantial and sustainable fund that will help build a bridge and make educational and career goals come true for our youth.
LEGACY BOARD
Launched in 2021, the Legacy Board recognizes alumni Board Members whose efforts have made a transformational impact on the Club. The main objective is to engage alumni of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County governing Board Members who continue to significantly impact and shape the future of the Club. The Legacy Board serves as a high-level committee focused on the Club’s priority of getting teens future ready through the Boys & Girls Club’s Life/Workforce Readiness Program, the annual Youth of The Year Program, and the Advanced Educational Scholarship recipient selection and advancement.
