Boys & Girls Clubs of America has a slogan, “Great Futures Start Here,” and I can tell you first-hand – they live up to it. From volunteering with the organization myself to hearing stories about the great work they do from friends, family and co-workers, Boys & Girls Clubs of America makes a positive impact in kids’ lives every day.
These kids have the ability to inspire their communities – and they do. At Disney, we’re inspired to support organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America because of the leadership, accomplishments and passion of these youth.
Tonight, we’re proud to play a small roll in their achievements. Disney is sponsoring the Boys & Girls Clubs of Los Angeles Youth of the Year Awards. Six local teenagers, named finalists in the annual competition, are now competing to represent LA County in the California competition. Disney is providing a $1,500 scholarship to each of the first-round contestants and $2,500 to each second-round contestant. The winner will serve a one-year term as a spokesperson representing their Club’s youth.
If one of the Co-Youths of the Year wins the California title, he or she will advance to the Pacific Region competition with the chance to become the National Youth of the Year, who receives more than $60,000 in college scholarships and has a chance to meet the President of the United States. That individual will serve a one-year term as Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson, advocating for the nearly four million youth served by Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.
Disney’s relationship with organization dates back 50 years. Together, we’re working to strengthen communities near and far, and inspiring kids and families everywhere to make a lasting, positive change in the world.
From all of us at Disney, good luck to each of the finalists!