YOUTH OF DISTINCTION AWARDS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Youth of Distinction Awards (YODA) is an annual event in May that recognizes deserving youth between the ages of 12-18 in several different categories: Advocacy, Arts & Culture, Environment, Innovate, Leadership, Peer Support, Perseverance, Sportsmanship, Volunteerism. The awards are not academic, rather, they focus on leadership, friendship, overcoming a personal challenge and community service. The finalists, along with their family, friends, and the public are welcome to purchase a ticket and attend the Youth of Distinction Awards. At the ceremony, guests will watch the recipient of each category be announced, enjoy brunch, entertainment and other celebrations of the amazing youth in our city.

Who can be nominated?

Youth aged 12 - 18 from Calgary and area (within a 50 km radius). Please note, nominees must not be older than 18 years of age as of December 31, 2023 and/or be attending high school.

Who can nominate a youth?

Anyone can nominate a youth! (e.g. a friend, sibling, teacher, parent, guardian, etc.)

NOMINATIONS FOR THE YOUTH OF DISTINCTION AWARDS ARE OPEN YEAR ROUND.

THE DEADLINE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE 2024 YOUTH OF DISTINCTION AWARDS HAS NOW PASSED.

HOW IT WORKS

The YODA Steering committee is comprised of 8-10 youth between the ages of 12-18. Youth members of the YODA Steering Committee will select the YODA recipients and help with marketing and promotion. Applications for the youth members of the YODA Steering Committee are available in August/September and are selected in October of each year.

YODA is an opportunity for our community to truly see and welcome youth from all different paths, letting them know that they matter. Please check out last year’s virtual 2021 Youth of Distinction Awards.

For more information, please contact the program coordinator at yoda@youthcentral.com