The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs (Alliance), in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL), is hosting the 2025 Illinois Youth of the Year competition the BGCCIL clubhouse in Springfield April 28-29.
Thirteen Clubs from around the state are sending their top teens to vie for the title of Illinois Youth of the Year. This accolade acknowledges outstanding Illinois Club members, ages 14-18 years old, for their many accomplishments. The event marks the culmination of extensive preparation and nominations from Club organizations throughout Illinois, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of Illinois’ youth who are making a positive impact on their communities through applications, speeches, letters of recommendation and more.
“The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs is the association that represents all the Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Illinois. As CEO of this organization, it is an incredible honor to be able to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois and Illinois Clubs at large to celebrate our exceptional Club kids,” said Alliance CEO Awisi Bustos. “The Youth of the Year program is dedicated to celebrating Club members who exemplify the pinnacles of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; service, leadership, academic achievement, and healthy living. The Alliance is proud to recognize these incredible teens.”
Attaining the title of State Youth of the Year is the ultimate honor for any Club member, marking a significant achievement in their journey. Throughout the program, select youth have the chance to earn scholarship funds at different levels, from local to national. The Illinois winner is awarded scholarships of $2,500 from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and $1,000 from the Illinois Area Council. Beyond financial support, the program opens doors to networking opportunities with influential figures across diverse industries.
“As CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, I am honored that the Boys & Girls Club Illinois Area Council and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America have selected our organization to host this year’s Statewide Youth of the Year event,” said Tiffany Mathis Posey. “Events that showcase our amazing Illinois Boys & Girls Club teens are crucial for their development because they provide validation and encouragement, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Furthermore, this event offers Club Teens opportunities for networking, mentorship, and further personal growth, shaping them into confident, engaged individuals ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in their futures.”
Following a day of judging, the 2025 Youth of the Year winner will be announced Monday, April 28 at a dinner at Arlington’s Historic Venue.
The following day competitors will participate in a Day of Advocacy with legislative visits at the Illinois State Capitol.
The winner of the IL Youth of the Year will go on to compete in the Midwest Region contest with the winner on June 26 in Chicago. The winner of that contest will advance to the National event where the BGCA 2025 Youth of the Year winner will be named.
The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs represents 24 Boys & Girls Clubs – affiliated organizations throughout the state furthering the mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs serve nearly 60,000 youth throughout Illinois – from Genesee to Carbondale and Moline to Danville. With Clubs located in large urban areas such as Chicago, mid-sized cities such as Springfield and smaller communities such as Bethalto, Clubs support youth who need us most and face many different challenges. Boys & Girls Clubs’ proven youth development model supports the needs youth have in common, such as the need to succeed academically, while allowing local Clubs to tailor their programs and activities to the specific needs of their community’s youth and families. Learn more at https://bgcillinois.org/
The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are positioned to serve more than 2,500 youth at our Central Unit and 21 elementary and middle schools covering two counties (Sangamon & Morgan). BGCCIL provides character building activities and academic programs designed to deliver measurable outcomes and a safe environment with caring adults. For additional information visit http://bgccil.org
***Courtesy of The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs***
