About WA State Youth of the Year

Washington State Youth of the Year is four days filled with events designed to provide educational and inspirational experiences for our finalists!

Program participants arrived in Olympia on Tuesday, March 21st and gathered at Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County for an evening program. On Wednesday morning, they had breakfast at the Governor’s Mansion where Governor Inslee made an appearance. Then teens visited TVW to learn about civic engagement and education. They attended an interview workshop with HR professionals from WSECU. Afterwards, everyone traveled up to Seattle where they checked in at their hotel. Then the youth took a limo ride and toured the neighborhoods of Seattle, enjoying a tasty treat at Kerry Park and took photos.

On Thursday, Club members arrived at Bell Harbor International Event Center for speeches and interviews in front of a panel of esteemed judges. Representatives from Ballmer Group, OSPI, Molina, Washington State Healthcare Authority, and Boeing selected the 2023 Washington State Youth of the Year and 2023 Washington State Military Youth of the Year. The winners were announced at the dinner that was attended by Club leaders, youth mentors and their families as well as Youth of the Year corporate sponsors. Each finalist had the opportunity to share their personal story with the Celebration audience. All youth received a $500 scholarship, and several finalists were recognized with additional merit scholarships.

On Friday afternoon, a fun lunch get together was held at MoPOP in Seattle. There current Youth of the Year and alumni were able to gather and reconnect.

The 2023 Washington State Youth of the Year is made possible by the following sponsors: