What Are the Youth Character Awards?
The YMCA Youth Character Awards celebrate high school students who bring our core values—Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility—to life every day. These teens lead with integrity, serve their communities, and set an example for their peers.
Each year, the Y honors outstanding nominees with $2,500 scholarships to support their academic and leadership goals.
Program Details
Nomination Guidelines
Teens must meet the following criteria:
- Be between the ages of 13 and 17
- Be currently enrolled in high school
- Live in the Greater Louisville area
- Demonstrate a strong, consistent commitment to the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
- Have made a positive impact in their home, school, church, or community through their character and leadership
Additional Guidelines:
- In cases of multiple nominations, only one application per nominee will be submitted to the selection committee.
- Group or team nominations are not accepted.
Timeline and Selection Process
Nominations are accepted each year from mid-August through the end of September. Application deadlines are announced annually.
A committee of Y leadership volunteers reviews all nominations and selects the honorees. Each selected teen receives a $2,500 scholarship to support their academic and leadership development.
Meet the 2024 Honorees
Get inspired by the incredible stories of our most recent award recipients.
Why Nominate a Teen?
Leadership in Action
Recognize a teen who lives their values and inspires those around them through meaningful service and leadership.
Scholarship Opportunity
Each honoree receives a $2,500 scholarship to support their continued growth and education.
Community Impact
Recipients are publicly recognized for the positive difference they make in our community—and serve as role models for their peers.
Creating A Safe Environment
The YMCA of Greater Louisville works in partnership with families, staff and volunteers to protect children from child abuse.
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