Youth Advocate Award

Another word for activism is imagination…
being able to envision a world that doesn’t yet exist.

— Eddie Ndopu

Now accepting nominations for the 2026 Youth Advocate Award!

What is the Youth Advocate Award? 

The Youth Advocate Award is presented to a young person in Florida (under the age of 18 or a current K-12 student) who has worked diligently over the past year as an advocate, initiating positive change for themselves, their peers, their communities, or statewide. Congratulations again to our 2025 Youth Advocate Award recipient, Christopher Page of Page by Page National Book Drive Program.

Youth Advocate Efforts and Examples May Include, but are Not Limited to: 

Creating public awareness
Engaging in creative efforts and activities
Demonstrating strong youth leadership
Working collaboratively to improve the lives of others
Supporting programs and/or policies that have benefited children and families

Who is Eligible to Receive this Award?

Nominees must be Florida residents under 18 years of age or in school (K-12) at the time of their nomination
Nominees should be actively involved in advocacy at the local or state level that have improved the lives of children, teens, and families across Florida
Self-nominated candidate
Candidate nominated by teachers, parents, mentors, students and others
Youth nominees will have the option to submit a 2-minute video or a 500-word personal statement in addition to their nomination form. These videos and statements will also be shared with the award review committee.

When Will You Announce the 2026 Youth Advocate Award Recipient? 

The 2026 recipient will be honored on Monday, February 23, 2026. The public announcement will take place during our annual Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The recipient will be invited to take part in various activities and speaking engagements throughout next year’s Children’s Week Florida events in Tallahassee, Florida.

Nominations must be received by November 21, 2025.

Who Selects the Recipient and How? 

Nominations are reviewed by the Florida After School, Inc. Board of Directors and the Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Awards Committee, which is composed of former award recipients, community partners, and dedicated advocates. All nominations will be pre-screened to ensure eligibility. If a nominee’s qualifications align better with a different award category (Chiles, Impact, or Youth), the nominator will be contacted regarding any recommended changes.

Are You Ready to Nominate an Outstanding Youth Advocate?

Click the Buttons Below to Submit Your Nominations Today.

Don't Delay! The deadline to submit is November 21, 2025.

Nominator Information

What is your first and last name? *

Nominator Name

What organization do you currently work for? If not applicable, what organization did you most recently work for? *

Nominator Organization

What is/was your role at this organization? Please provide your position or title. *

Nominator Position or Title

Nominator Contact Information

Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Nominee Information

(must include Parent/Guardian if under 18)

Who are you submitting this nomination for? Please provide their first and last name. *

Nominee Name

What is the nominee’s current age? *

Nominee Age

What school does the nominee currently attend? *

Nominee School

What is the nominee’s current grade level?  *

Nominee Grade Level

Nominee Contact Information

Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Nominee's Parent or Guardian

Parent/Guardian Name

Phone

Mailing Address

Tell Us About the Nominee

How has this youth created public awareness of issues impacting other young children, teens, or families in their school, youth organization, local community (county/region), or state? *

[1500 characters]

Has this youth engaged in creative efforts and activities to enhance the future of other young children, teens, or families in their school or community? If so, please include examples. *

[4000 characters]

How do this youth’s advocacy efforts embody dedication and passion for positive change for other children, teens, and families? Please be descriptive. *

[1500 characters] 

How has this youth demonstrated strong leadership skills in their school, youth organization, or community? Please include examples. *

[4000 characters]

Can you share an example of this youth’s impact locally or statewide? *

[4000 characters]

Please submit a high-quality headshot or photo of the nominee (no group pictures).

Maximum file size: 16 MB

Please agree to the following statement: *

By submitting this nomination, I attest that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. My submission confirms my consent and permission for the sponsoring organizations (Children’s Week Florida and Children's Forum) to publish items within this nomination package in any related communications and promotions.

Nominee Information

What is your first and last name? *

Nominee Name

How old are you? *

Nominee Age

What school do you currently attend?  *

Nominee School

What is your current grade level? *

Nominee Grade Level

Are you part of a youth organization? *

Yes

[select one]

If yes, what youth organization(s) are you actively engaged with?  *

Nominee Organization(s)

Do you have a position or title with this youth organization?  *

Nominee Position or Title

Nominee Contact Information

Phone *

Email *

Mailing Address *

Nominee's Parent or Guardian

Parent/Guardian Name

Phone

Mailing Address

Tell Us About Yourself

How have you created public awareness of issues impacting other young children, teens, or families in your school, youth organization, local community (county/region), or state? *

[1500 characters]

How have you engaged in creative efforts and activities to enhance the future of other young children, teens, or families in your school, youth organization, or community? Please include examples. *

[4000 characters]

How do your advocacy efforts embody dedication and passion for positive change for other children, teens, and families? Please be descriptive. *

[1500 characters]

Have you demonstrated strong leadership skills in your school, youth organization, or community? If so, please include examples. *

[4000 characters]

Can you share an example of your impact locally or statewide? *

[4000 characters]

Please submit a high-quality headshot or photo of yourself (no group pictures).

Maximum file size: 16 MB

Please agree to the following statement: *

If you prefer a handwritten form, please download the 2026 Youth Advocate Nomination Form or 2026 Youth Advocate Self-Nomination Form and send your submission via USPS or email. For additional information, contact the Children’s Week Florida Planning Team at info@childrensweek.org or 850-487-6300.