Congrats to our 2017-2018 National Youth of the Year, Carlos P.! #YOYTurns70 Tweet

“My Boys & Girls Club has taught me that I can be whatever I want to be,” said Polanco. “They taught me that I should always dream big and go after my dreams. Today, as the National Youth of the Year, I am ready to represent and advocate for all 4 million of our Boys & Girls Club kids and teens.”

Polanco’s family came to the United States from the Dominican Republic when he was 5 years old. He started attending the Boys & Girls Club, where he discovered his passion for education. Polanco helped found the Clifton Student-Union, which is a student run, student-led advocacy group. In this capacity he’s helped rewrite the school dress code, addressed the lack of AP classes and led a peaceful march of more than 350 students advocating for fair school funding.

Through the support of his Boys & Girls Club, Carlos became a leader, following his passions to make a difference in his community.

“Carlos symbolizes seven decades of youth leaders that have found a great future with Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Youth of the Year recognizes teens who demonstrate the critical impact that Clubs, and thousands of youth development professionals working at Boys & Girls Clubs around the county, have on the lives of young people. Carlos will be an incredible voice, advocating for the needs of all young people in our country.”

Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Starting on the local level, Clubs select Youth of the Year representatives who then progress to state and regional competitions, culminating with the National Youth of the Year Celebration which features youth from each of the five regions, as well as the National Military Youth of the Year. Regional finalists are awarded up to $45,000 in scholarships from Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the National Youth of the Year is awarded an additional $25,000 renewable for four years up to $100,000.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year recognition program is presented by Disney, who has supported Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than 50 years, empowering young people to reach their full potential and providing youth with access to the tools they need to build the great futures they imagine. Toyota, the Signature Sponsor of Youth of the Year, is dedicated to supporting and inspiring the next generation of engineers, thinkers and new leaders who will help drive the American economy. Since 2011, Toyota has provided the National Youth of the Year with a new Corolla. Additional support is provided by University of Phoenix and the Taco Bell Foundation.

“At The Walt Disney Company, we are committed to being advocates and champions for youth and families around the world. Which is why we are so proud to help honor Carlos, the five other national finalists and all the youth that participated in this program,” said Elissa Margolis Senior Vice President Enterprise Social Responsibility for The Walt Disney Company. “We are truly inspired by the leadership, compassion, and dedication demonstrated by these remarkable young people.”

As Youth of the Year, Carlos will serve as the official spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and its Young Alumni & Friends Club that connects former members who are living proof of the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs. For more information about the Youth of the Year program, visit https://www.bgca.org/programs/youth-of-the-year.