The OYMYW of the Year program recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of young people, enhances the perception of youth and raises community awareness of the positive contributions of youth.
Each year, 16 high school students are selected as council district winners and recognized at an event, along with the teacher who inspired them the most. Each of the district winners will receive a cash award. From the district winners, the two overall winners will be announced, and each will receive an additional cash award.
Winners from each council district, and the citywide Young Man and Young Woman of the Year, will be recognized at an event and in city publicity materials. District winners also will have an opportunity to participate in citywide programs and special appearances to promote youth issues.
To be considered for the program, you must meet the following criteria:
• Be a current high school student (or home-schooled) in grades 9 through 12 in Phoenix or live within Phoenix city limits
• Be a U.S. citizen or provide evidence of lawful presence in the United States
• Complete and submit a scholarship application online and send required supporting documentation to the Review Committee within the provided deadline
• Finalist must be available for in-person interviews
Students interested in applying will need to write an essay, submit a recommendation letter and proof of legal residence in the United States. Finalists will be interviewed by members of the community. District award winners will be invited to a luncheon sponsored by Rotary 100, Arizona Public Service (APS), and Salt River Project (SRP) where the citywide award winners will be announced.
Eligible students can apply through the online application form at phoenix.gov/education before 5 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020.
The city of Phoenix goal is to build connections between city services, community resources, and public schools to ensure Phoenix students succeed in school, life and career. While the city of Phoenix does not deliver K-12 education services, the support it provides to students and families can make the difference between academic failure and success. A primary duty of the Youth and Education Office is to staff the Youth and Education Commission which consists of community members dedicated to improving education in the Phoenix community. The commission provides policy guidance, develops educational initiatives, and identifies resources for school readiness, high school transition to post-secondary education, career readiness, and governs the education access channel.
