Youth Advocate Award - Children's Week

Now accepting nominations for the 2025 Youth Advocate Award!

What is the Youth Advocate Award? 

The Youth Advocate Award is presented to a young person (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 2024 Youth Advocate Award recipient, Maurits Acosta of Virtutem Populo (Miami-Dade).

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?

Anyone can submit a nomination; you may nominate yourself
Teachers, parents, mentors, students and others are encouraged to submit a nomination for a youth advocate that inspires them
Nominees must be 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

When will you announce the 2025 Impact Youth Award recipient?  

The 2025 recipient will be honored on Monday, April 14, 2025. 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.

Who Selects the Recipient? 

Nominations are reviewed by the Florida After School, Inc. Board of Directors and the Children’s Week Florida™ Advocacy Awards Committee, consisting of former award winners, community partners, and advocates.
Nominees will have the option to submit a 2-minute video or a 500-word personal statement to accompany their nomination. Nominees may use this opportunity to provide any additional information not shared by the nominator.

Are You Ready to Nominate an Outstanding Youth Advocate?

Click the Buttons Below to Submit Your Nominations Today.

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 upload a recent photo of the nominee.

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 upload a recent photo of yourself.

Maximum file size: 16 MB

Please agree to the following statement: *

If you prefer a handwritten form, please download the 2025 Youth Advocate Nomination Form or 2025 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.

Now accepting nominations for the 2025 Youth Advocate Award!

Are You Ready to Nominate an Outstanding Youth Advocate?

Click the Buttons Below to Submit Your Nominations Today.

Nominator Information

Nominator Contact Information

Nominee Information

(must include Parent/Guardian if under 18)

Nominee Contact Information

Nominee's Parent or Guardian

Tell Us About the Nominee

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