Youth of the Year

Each year, thousands of Club teens  participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens advance to the National Youth of the Year, where one outstanding young person is named National Youth of the Year.

2025 Youth of the Year

Carlton Burrel, Jr.

2025 Youth of the Year Finalist

Carlton was named the Youth of the Year for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan at an event held at the Secret Garden at the Harbor on February 20, 2025. 

Every year, Boys & Girls Clubs of America reaffirms its mission to inspire and empower today’s youth by celebrating exemplary youth in Clubs across the nation through the Youth of the Year and Junior Youth of the Year programs. The Youth of the Year journey begins locally when youth, nominated by Club staff and peers, accept the challenge to rise above and make positive changes in their lives, Club and community. The Youth of the Year program in Greater Southwest Michigan is supported by the American Electric Power Foundation.

Carlton is a 16-year-old junior at Benton Harbor High School. He shared that his favorite Club program is Passport to Manhood [link], a program designed to empower and educate young men, because it taught him the importance of education and becoming a responsible man.

In a speech to his peers, Club families and community supporters, Carlton talked about youth violence and its impact on him and those around him. “...the way that youth violence plays out across this nation makes places dedicated to learning feel like places designated for losing pieces of our humanity. Facing this reality daily, reminds me to be thankful for the space and opportunities that the Club provides for me to reclaim a safe haven for learning on my own,” he said. “The violence among youth in my school tried to rob me of my safe space to learn. Thanks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, me, and Club kids like me, have this safe space and every opportunity and experience provided to us.”

Carlton discovered STEM at the Club and has plans to pursue a degree in engineering after high school graduation. “I hope to return as an alumni and inspire the next generation to pursue STEM education,” he said. “I’ll continue to advocate for every kid to seek refuge at the Club - a true safe haven for learning.”

The Youth of the Year program develops teens’ leadership skills and abilities through experiences in and out of the Club. Each year, youth who embody excellence in the areas of academics, character and citizenship and healthy lifestyles are recognized at the local, state, regional and finally, at the national level. One exceptional Club/Youth Center teen is selected to be the National Youth of the Year, serving as an ambassador for Boys & Girls Club youth as well as a voice for the nation’s young people.