Youth of the Year 2024 - Program Book

Youth 2024 Year of the

Celebrating Youth Event

Celebrating Youth Event Program Welcome ■ Marcia Mintz, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Xitlalic Portillo, 2023 Youth of the Year Winner Hosts ■ Eric Watkins, Branch Director, Swift Kids Branch Martha Delgado, Branch Director, Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch Recognitions ■ Featured Youth of the Year Speakers – see list below Announcement of 2024 Youth of the Year ■ Marcia Mintz, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley Xitlalic Portillo, 2023 Youth of the Year Winner

Youth of the Year: ■

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Alessandra Mendoza Arizona Diamondbacks Branch, a Kieckhefer Family Legacy

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Andrea Rubal Jerry Colangelo Branch Brayan Roque Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch

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Bryan Rivas Superstition Mountain Branch Desiree Aguilar Swift Kids Branch Elizabeth Ray Bob Bové Branch, a Thornwood Legacy

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KyJai Wilson Bob & Renee Parsons Branch Layla Zamora Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch Michael Crawford Warner & Shirley Gabel Branch Miley Hawkins Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch Orlando Cooper Grant Woods Branch Yarieliz Lopez Ed Robson Family Branch

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

The Celebrating Youth Event 2024 is Proudly Presented Through the Generosity of The DeTata Family

We Would Also Like to Thank and Recognize our Sponsors of Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars Our YOYs will be honored at this event in March.

Title Sponsor ■ Amplify Capital Advisors Presenting Sponsors ■ Coronado West ■

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Wells Fargo

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PXG Sands Chevrolet

General Dynamics

Youth of the Year Sponsors ■ Arizona Diamondbacks ■

Crescent Crown Distributing

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Insight

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Lockton

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Phoenix Scaffolding

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PNC Bank

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The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation Universal Technical Institute

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About BGC’s Youth of the Year Program Youth of the Year (YOY) is an annual program of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. It is sponsored nationally by Toyota Financial and locally by businesses and committed individuals. Youth of the Year Candidates are selected based on community service, Club service, school and life goals, and complete written essays on their Club experience, personal growth, and what matters to them. In addition, candidates are judged on poise, selfconfidence and public speaking.

Each Club works to identify those exceptional young adults who embody the traits that Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley works to instill in each of our 12,000+ members. The Club’s Youth of the Year program requires a strong commitment from each student. Once selected for the program, these teens begin a transformative journey where they are challenged to share their personal experiences, from their struggles to impressive accomplishments and dreams for the future. They develop their writing and presentation skills and engage in specialized workshops designed to help them find their unique voice and story to share with the judging panel.

The 2023-24 Youth of the Year Journey is led by committed and caring team members – Branch Director Eric Watkins of the Swift Kids Branch; Branch Director Martha Delgado of the Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch; Branch Director Tabitha Martinez of the Stevenson Elementary Branch; Kevin Chavez of AZYouthforce; and College Access & Success Manager Jason Reynolds.

We hope you enjoy the stories of courage, resilience, compassion, kindness and hope from these extraordinary youth. Thanks to your generosity today, each of these teens has the opportunity to pursue their dreams!

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

2023 Youth of the Year Winner XITLALIC PORTILLO “The Club was the only place where I had a genuine smile, because it was home. It’s where I go to be with my friends, and I’m proud to say where my family grew bigger.”

Introducing our 2024 Youth of the Year

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Bob Bové Branch, A Thornwood Legacy

Elizabeth Ray Senior, Age 18, Agua Fria High School Elizabeth is a proud member of the Bob Bové Branch in Avondale. Elizabeth is known for service and leadership at her Club, from helping younger members learn to read and complete their homework to helping staff members clean up after activities. To Elizabeth, volunteering at the Club is just as fun as attending as a member!

Elizabeth and her sisters moved in with their aunt in 2021, who signed them up for the Club. The Club quickly emerged as Elizabeth’s constant sanctuary. She was shy when she first joined, but the staff and other teen members quickly made the Club feel like a second home filled with lasting relationships and opportunities.

From an early age, Elizabeth experienced frequent transitions and found herself responsible for the safety and well-being of her two younger sisters.

Her sisters have also inspired her to become a second-grade teacher and make a positive impact on the education of young people like them. She strives to be an example for kids, teaching the importance of setting goals and that hard work and dedication can help achieve them.

Q: Where do you think you would be without the Boys & Girls Club?

Without Boys & Girls Club, I would be nowhere. My Club shaped me to who I am today. The advice I would give young people joining the Club is that you get opportunities to do amazing things like visit other Clubs and events like NASCAR. The Club is the most fun place I’ve been, and the people are amazing.

Q: If you won $100,000 today, what would you do with your winnings?

I would put it aside for my two sisters for college and help them achieve their dreams and careers.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Jerry Colangelo Branch

Andrea Jaime Rubal Sophomore, Age 15, Franklin Police and Fire High School Andrea is a 10-year member of the Jerry Colangelo Branch and a current sophomore at Franklin Police and Fire High School. When Andrea entered high school, she struggled with trying to fit in and become someone she was not. She confided in her Club staff, who helped her see the importance of being true to herself no matter what others may think. Andrea says this advice made her who she is today. She is thankful to the Club for teaching her how to be respectful, accountable, and responsible while also helping her build resilience when things in her life didn’t go as planned. She prides herself on her empathy, poise, and positive self-image.

Andrea lives with her mom and two dogs, and enjoys spending her free time with art, dance, music, and boxing. After high school, she plans to attend an in-state university to study criminal justice and become a SWAT officer. A future in law enforcement excites her, because she knows she will be helping people every day and furthering her passion for serving the community.

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with and why?

I would love to have dinner with Shakira! She is a very inspiring Latina who is passionate about music and dance. She is an artistic and creative person that I relate to, and I know she would have lots of great advice.

Q: Where do you think you would be without the Boys & Girls Club?

Without the Boys & Girls Club, I would not be who I am today – a vivid person with many talents! The Club has helped me mature and realize how important a safe place really is. I recommend every young person to join because the opportunities are endless.

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Arizona Diamondbacks Branch, A Kieckhefer Family Legacy

Alessandra Mendoza Freshman, Age 14, South Mountain High School Alessandra joined the Arizona Diamondbacks Branch when she was just five years old.

Through nine years of membership, the Club has helped Alessandra build self-confidence while guiding her through loss and other personal challenges. A recent highlight from her time as the Club was getting to deliver the game ball to the mound for Game 3 of the World Series at Chase Field!

Throughout her Club membership, Alessandra has participated in programs like robotics, drama, and – her favorite – cooking. Programs like cooking club taught her to be a better listener and build organizational skills as she worked with others to achieve a common goal. Now, as a freshman at South Mountain High School, Alessandra loves meeting new people, thanks to Club staff who encouraged her to introduce herself to other kids and step outside her comfort zone.

Outside the Club, Alessandra lives with her dad and two brothers and is a dedicated volleyball player. After high school, Alessandra aspires to become an interior designer.

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with and why?

I would like to have dinner with my dad. I would choose my dad because he shows up for everything I do and always tries his best to support me.

Q: What are you most proud of about yourself?

I am most proud of myself for being committed to my goals. I never give up on any project I’ve started.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Warner & Shirley Gabel Branch

Michael Crawford Senior, Age 17, North High School Michael is a senior at North High School and a nine-year member of the Warner & Shirley Gabel Branch. Michael loves basketball – especially the Washington Wizards – and his personality shines with a ball in his hand! He enjoys mentoring younger Club members in the sport, just as Club staff have always mentored him. From the very beginning of his membership, the Club has always offered Michael a place where he could be safe, productive, and establish supportive relationships.

Michael comes from a tight-knit family with his mom, dad and younger brother. Growing up, Michael’s family experienced significant financial challenges that made him question what his future could look like. He worried about being limited in pursuing college, travel, and a good career, but his time at the Gabel Branch has helped him identify his passions and options for life after high school. He has been determined to carve out a successful future not only for himself, but to show his younger brother that anything is possible. After graduation, Michael plans to pursue higher education in the culinary arts or sports journalism.

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with and why?

I’d love to have dinner with Kobe Bryant. He could offer valuable insights on both life and enhancing my basketball skills.

Q: What are you most proud of about yourself?

I am most proud of the person I have become today. I will be even more proud of myself when I achieve success by graduating from high school.

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Grant Woods Branch

Orlando Cooper Freshman, Age 14, Sequoia Charter School When Orlando first joined the Grant Woods Branch five years ago, he was a selfdescribed mischief-maker and struggled to have a positive attitude. He’d lived through a fair share of hardship, and joining the Club felt like another difficult transition. But it didn’t take long for the Club to prove Orlando wrong and give him a sense of belonging unlike anything he’d previously experienced.

The more time he spent at the Grant Woods Branch, the more confident he became. He is known among Club staff and peers as a bright, positive member who is always willing to be a team player. The skills Orlando learned at the Club, such as respect and accountability, quickly translated to him taking additional responsibility to help his mother, who singlehandedly provides for himself and his four siblings.

Orlando is a freshman at Sequoia High School. Outside his Club, Orlando is active in his church’s youth group and plays on his school’s football team. After high school, he dreams of becoming a mechanic specializing in diesel automobiles. He wants to hone his understanding of how these vehicles operate so he can successfully diagnose problems and keep his clients happy.

Q: If you won $100,000 today, what would you do with your winnings?

If I won $100,000 today, I would first give the Grant Woods Club staff some of my winnings because they changed my life in the best way possible. The rest of my winnings I would give to my mom because she got me to where I am today. To be able to show my appreciation to her for all she has done for me and that it has not gone unnoticed would be amazing. I love her with all my heart and to be able to give her something in return would mean the world.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Bob & Renee Parsons Branch

KyJai Wilson Sophomore, Age 15, Arcadia High School KyJai is a sophomore at Arcadia High School and has been attending the Bob & Renee Parsons Branch since he was eight years old.

Throughout his membership, Parsons Branch staff have always encouraged KyJai to make good decisions and take advantage of opportunities to be a leader. Whether being there to support him through the loss of close family members or giving him an outlet to serve his community, the Club has been a positive force helping KyJai continuously grow and improve. The leadership skills he’s strengthened at the Club have translated to the football field, where he is a standout athlete and team leader.

KyJai is extremely committed to his family and takes pride in setting a positive example for his siblings and being able to help his mother – especially when it comes to cooking, as it’s an interest they have shared together since KyJai was little. In the future, KyJai’s goal is to get a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Colorado and work in the automotive field or play in the NFL. Q: Who would you like to have dinner with and why?

I would like to have dinner with JJ Watt because he is my idol. We play the same position in football and he could give me tips to improve my game.

Q: What are you most proud of about yourself?

I’m proud that I can maintain my grades, and that I’ve been on Arcadia High School varsity football since I was a freshman.

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Ed Robson Family Branch

Yarieliz Lopez Junior, Age 16, North Canyon High School After living her entire life in Puerto Rico, Yarieliz moved to Phoenix with her mom, stepdad, and younger brother in 2019. Yarieliz lost close family members and two homes due to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Her family eventually made the difficult decision to leave the rest of their relatives and move to a safer environment, without the threat of natural disasters.

Adjusting to life in the United States proved difficult for Yarieliz as she struggled to find her identity after such immense change – but then came the Club. She and her brother joined the Ed Robson Family Branch because their mom needed a place for them while she worked, and Yarieliz quickly found friends, fun, and opportunities. Club staff and peers helped her cope with the loss and tragedy she had experienced, build resilience and confidence, and become the version of herself that she always wanted to be.

At the Club, Yarieliz enjoys fine arts programs, studying with her friends and classmates, and playing pool! An avid theatre performer, Yarieliz aspires to graduate, join the military, and get her education in fine arts.

Q: Where do you think you would be without the Boys & Girls Club?

Without Boys & Girls Club, I would be sitting on my bed napping and not caring so much about my grades or my future. I would be in a mindset where I would be questioning “How did I get through the whole day without falling asleep?” The Club is such a good way to stay motivated to do your homework assignments, study, or just get extra work off your hands.

Q: What is your favorite thing about high school?

My favorite thing about high school is the musical/performing arts activities. I can express my creativity and my passions with people with the same type of taste.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch

Brayan Roque Sophomore, Age 16, Glenview College Prep Brayan started attending the Rosenzweig Branch when he was in second grade, and says his life has changed for the better ever since. When he was young, he often struggled with controlling his emotions and expressing how he was feeling. Club staff patiently supported him through these challenges and gave him opportunities to understand his emotions and tools to make good choices.

Brayan noticed that Rosenzweig Branch staff always took a genuine interest in how he was doing, which helped him feel safe to open up at the Club and make new friends. He has participated in a number of Club programs, with sports – especially basketball! – and Teens Take the Lead being most memorable.

Brayan is a sophomore at Glenview College Prep, with goals to attend college and open a mechanic shop. Outside the Club he enjoys volunteering at his school, and he recently started an internship at the Footprint Center through BGCAZ’s teen workforce development program, AZYouthforce.

Q: What clubs/sports/activities are you involved in?

I’m currently involved in weight training, and I just started an internship with AZYouthforce where I will be working at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Q: What is one thing (or your favorite thing) you’ve had the opportunity to do because of the Boys & Girls Club?

My favorite thing about being at the Club is being involved in sports and being able to go on field trips to GCU basketball games!

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Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch

Miley Hawkins Sophomore, Age 16, Deer Valley High School A sophomore at Deer Valley High School, Miley is known at the Sands Branch as a shining example of dedication and commitment. Whether it’s staying after hours to help with Keystone projects or stepping in to make sure other Club members feel included, Sands Branch staff can always rely on Miley to be a helping hand. Miley appreciates that the Club gives her the freedom to take charge in a safe environment, get constructive feedback on how to become a better leader, and learn how to empathize and interact with those of different personalities and backgrounds. Outside the Club, Miley is a skilled athlete who has been a member of her school’s varsity softball team since her freshman year.

Miley grew up as the oldest of three siblings, and often took on the role of a caretaker in her family with her parents working long hours. The Club helped Miley balance feelings of responsibility for her siblings, and supported her through mental health struggles brought on by the pandemic. Motivated by these formative experiences, Miley aspires to attend Northern Arizona University to become a psychologist and help care for the well-being of others.

Q: Where do you think you would be without the Boys & Girls Club? / What advice would you give to young people about joining the Club?

Without the Boys & Girls Club, I’d probably be sitting in my room all day not being very productive. I would procrastinate all my homework, unlike at the Club where I get work done. The advice I’d give to younger members joining the Club is to try hard and listen to elders – they have made the mistakes you’re walking into so try your best to hear them out!

Q: Do you have any special skills or talents?

I’m left-handed but can swing right-handed for softball. I’m also very skilled with my words. And I have been learning American Sign Language for almost 2 years!

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch

Layla Zamora Senior, Age 17, Western School of Science and Technology Layla, the oldest of three siblings, has been attending the Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch since she was in fourth grade. As a young Club member, Layla was introduced to sports and eventually fell in love with being an athlete after years of basketball and flag football at the Stewart Branch. Now, as a senior at Western School of Science and Technology, she is an exceptional three-sport athlete (basketball, soccer, volleyball) and even received an All-State Honorable Mention for volleyball.

She is also proud to volunteer nearly 50 hours of community service a month and enjoys giving back to her community.

Whether through athletics, Keystone Club, or helping staff and members in the gym, the Club has always inspired Layla to take action and never stop learning. Whenever she needed help throughout her time as a Club kid, she always got much-needed guidance from friends and staff at the Stewart Branch. Now, as a leader at her Club, Layla loves being that go-to person for younger Club peers. She is very passionate about marine life, especially sharks, and will pursue a career as a marine biologist. She will be the first in her family to attend college.

Q: If you won $100,000 today, what would you do with your winnings?

I would first help my parents pay for anything they need, and I would definitely donate to homeless and animal shelters. I would also save up for the future and maybe buy myself a Camaro!

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with and why?

I would like to have dinner with Paul Walker because he has always been one of my favorite actors and I would want him to teach me about cars!

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Superstition Mountain Branch

Bryan Rivas Sophomore, Age 15, Imagine Prep Superstition Bryan joined the Superstition Mountain Branch during a period of difficult transition for his family, and immediately experienced a sense of calm and relief inside the Club’s big blue doors. His parents’ divorce meant constantly moving around – but the Club was a stable, fun place for him to learn and grow. Because of the Club, Bryan has had the opportunity to join Lego Robotics, participate in character and leadership programs like Torch Club and Keystone, and even meet NFL players like Andre Reed and Rondale Moore! He enjoys teaching younger members how to code as he once learned at the Club, and always steps up when Club staff members need help.

Whether at school or at the Club, Bryan stands out among his peers for his integrity and willingness to stick up for what’s right. He prides himself on being the first one to interject if a classmate is being bullied or mistreated and holds strongly to the importance of using his voice in difficult situations. He’s passionate about conservation, and aspires to become a construction welder.

Q: What advice would you give to other emerging leaders like yourself?

I would encourage emerging leaders to take advantage of all opportunities that they are given, regardless of if they might not get the reward.

Sometimes we don’t know if we will master something if we don’t at least try it first, and if they believe in something they need to stand up for it.

Being a leader is believing in yourself and speaking up for yourself rather than following someone or something you aren’t sure about.

Q: What is your favorite thing about High School?

My favorite thing about high school is that I get to learn new things and hang out with friends. I enjoy the learning challenges but also enjoy spending time with friends.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Swift Kids Branch

Desiree Aguilar Junior, Age 17, Glendale High School Desiree is a junior at Glendale High School who has been attending the Swift Kids Branch since 2017. Desiree grew up as one of eight children in a single mother household, and often took on the role of a caregiver to help her family. When she and her siblings joined the Club, Desiree finally felt free to just be a kid, as she knew her family was together and taken care of every day after school. Supporting her mom and siblings through challenging circumstances motivates her goal to attend Arizona State University and become a therapist.

At her Club, Desiree is known as a caring role model who other Club members can turn to in times of need. She participates in dozens of school and Club programs, and especially enjoys volunteering to serve her community. The Club and its staff have motivated her to wake up every day with a positive attitude and push forward – no matter what life throws her way. She wants her fellow Club members to know that, no matter what they’re going through, they can always make it big in life.

Q: What is your favorite thing about High School?

My favorite thing about high school is being a Link Crew member, because I love helping the first-year students around.

Q: What advice would you give to other emerging leaders like yourself?

The advice I would give to future leaders is to find yourself and your passion before anything else. Help yourself, and then help others.

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Special Thanks To All Those Who Made This Event Possible!

Youth Of The Year Journey Leaders And Celebrating Youth Event Committee Eric Watkins, Branch Director, Swift Kids Branch Martha Delgado, Branch Director, Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch Tabitha Martinez, Branch Director, Stevenson Elementary Branch Kevin Chavez, AZYouthforce Jason Reynolds, College Access & Success Manager With Support From ■ Heather Budzien ■

Cassidy Campana

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Jennifer Ensley

BGCAZ’s

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Marena Sever

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Adia Watson

Leaders

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Andrew Leger, President

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Jordan Freeman

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Chelsey Krisay, Vice President

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Kristina Keating

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Rachael Bertrandt-Crump

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Kyle Lapointe

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David Casanova

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Holly Linder

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Stephanie Correll

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Corey Nelson

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

YOY Styling Part of our Youth of the Year journey includes a special shopping trip to select dresses and suits for the upcoming formal events.

Our sincere thanks to Travis Anglin and Barry Schoeneman from Men’s Apparel Club for providing expert styling and suits for our gentlemen. Our YOY Journey Leaders assisted our young ladies with styling and dress selection at Arizona Mills.

We are proud to be a sponsor of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Helping to empower young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible members of the community

QUALITY

INTEGRITY

EXPERTISE

www.PrintTime AZ.com

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BGCAZ Branch Directors ■

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Maria Parra Castro Bob Bové Branch, a Thornwood Legacy

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Taylor Miller Cartwright Branch

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Johana Lopez Jerry Colangelo Branch

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Sonia Smith Chandler Compadres Branch Marcus Davis Arizona Diamondbacks Branch, a Kieckhefer Family Legacy Adrian Ramos Eisenhower Branch

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Andrea Luna Warner & Shirley Gabel Branch Jaime Fernandez Gilbert Branch

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Jennifer Cummings Grant Woods Branch

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Michelle Parra Heatherbrae Elementary Branch Eric James I.G. Homes Branch

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Ana Rodriguez-Murillo Ladmo Tempe Branch Kyle O’Malley Littleton Branch

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Jasmine Cheatham Metro North Branch Lexia Sandoval North Tempe Branch Clarissa Plascencia Palm Lane Branch Emily Childress Bob & Renee Parsons Branch Sarah Cornwell Jerry & Helen Wisotsky/ Peoria Branch Kevin Hardy Ed Robson Family Branch Corisha McIntyre Harry & Sandy Rosenzweig Branch Martha Delgado Louis & Elizabeth Sands Branch Dallas Gray San Tan Heights Branch Dallas Gray Skyline Ranch Elementary Branch Tabitha Martinez Stevenson Elementary Branch Jessica Adame Spencer D. & Mary Jane Stewart Branch

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Angela Davis Superstition Mountain Branch Eric Watkins Swift Kids Branch Diana Fernandez Bret Tarver Elementary School Branch

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Michael Luck Thunderbirds Guadalupe Branch Niku Hodge UMOM Branch Rowena Regalado Yuma Branch

Special Thanks to our YOY 2024 Judging Panel ■

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Bubba Moffett President, Crescent Crown Distributing Tom Nerini, Ed.D Governing Board Member, Maricopa Community Colleges District Michael Romano Divisional Chief Operating Officer, Universal Technical Institute Chet Samuelson Arizona Market President & CEO, BOK Financial

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Joe Henderson Award The winner of the Youth of the Year title will receive the Joe Henderson Memorial Award. Joe Henderson was a Chandler Compadre whose passion was giving back to the community. He was very dedicated to Boys & Girls Clubs. Known for his incredible sense of humor and love of life, Joe Henderson was an inspiration to all who met him.

Moving to Arizona in 1987, he dedicated himself to being an active citizen within the Chandler community. In 1990, he joined the Chandler Compadres with a dream of improving opportunities in Chandler.

One of Joe’s true loves was flying, which is how he spent most of his days.

Upon moving to Arizona, he purchased San Tan Dusters, beginning a career as a successful crop duster. Joe always said a fortunate man was one who went to work and looked forward to it! Joe was lucky to love his work, and we are fortunate to have been able to share our lives with Joe. Prior to his passing, he was elected President of the Compadres and Compadre of the Year.

Our Scholarship Fund A critical component of Boys & Girls Clubs programming is our Scholarship Program, which helps Club Alumni members pursue their dreams of a post-secondary education. Proceeds from this Youth of the Year event support the programs and activities offered at Boys & Girls Clubs, as well as provide scholarship and financial aid to qualifying members. Since the inception of the scholarship program, over 300 Club members have been awarded college scholarships.

If you would like more information on donating to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, please contact us at 602-954-8182 or visit www.bgcaz.org/donate.

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

Scholarship Support For BGCAZ Alumni + Parsons Thanks to The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, BGCAZ employs a College Access and Success Manager who supports our Club alumni as they pursue their post-secondary education and certificate programs. Many of our students are first-time college goers and this additional personalized support helps to ensure their longterm success in their career and academic programs. Last year, BGCAZ distributed $80,602 in scholarship support among 63 Club alumni and awarded an additional $159,500 in scholarships.

Our Education Fund The education fund is an account set aside for our current Youth of the Year candidates to use towards their post-secondary education, including paying for college or technical training school tuition. If the candidate is a high school sophomore or junior, they are able to use the funds for college accredited classes, school supplies, or trainings. The education fund is also available to the candidates who are seniors to help them with other expenses a traditional scholarship may not cover.

Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship As part of Whataburger’s commitment to serving its communities, Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarships will be awarded to three of our outstanding 2024 Youth of the Year candidates in the amount of $1,000 each. These scholarships will assist our teens in achieving their post-secondary dreams.

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Boys & Girls Clubs Formula For Impact Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley employs a Formula for Impact for how the organization impacts the life of a child.

Our programs are organized around four Priority Outcomes

PRIORITY Academic Success Members engage in daily academic enrichment activity with supportive adults facilitating homework help and education programs that complement and reinforce what youth learn during the school day.

Rooted in social-emotional development practices, members develop key skills such as: curiosity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

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Good Character and Leadership Members have access to caring and supportive adults who help foster resilience to challenges, stress, and bullying, while also learning to treat each other with respect. Members demonstrate leadership and service to others in the Club and in the community, and understand their rights and responsibilities as community members.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

OUTCOMES Healthy Lifestyles Members engage in daily physical activity, make healthy nutrition choices, employ good resistance and decision-making skills, and refrain from participating in risky behaviors.

Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness Members engage in career pathway and workforce readiness learning and internship opportunities to explore a variety of careers in order to develop their own personalized plan for success.

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Journey to

Youth of the Year

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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley (BGCAZ) Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley offers affordable after-school and summer programs for 12,000+ young people in grades K-12. At 31 Clubs across the Valley, BGCAZ provides award-winning programs designed to change the lives of young people.

For over 75 years, BGCAZ has been creating equity and opportunity for youth through academic, social, and workforce opportunities. We help young people make healthy decisions and focus on social and emotional development to build resilient young adults. Most importantly, we work to develop strong character and leadership skills by creating positive connections to caring adults and their community.

Program Services Center 4309 E. Belleview St., Bldg. 14 • Phoenix, AZ 85008 (602) 954-8182 • BGCAZ.org

Stay Connected With Us @BGCArizona

BGCAZ does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, genetics, veteran or disability status. Furthermore, BGCAZ does not discriminate on the basis of familial status. AZRelay.org or 7-1-1 This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.