Held in January, Youth of the Year is a national program designed to promote and recognize service to the Club and community, academic performance and contributions to family and spiritual life. To be named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Club member can have.

Competition begins with each Club site nominating a Youth of the Year in three age categories – Elementary, Junior and Teen – who all receive a certificate and medallion. The program culminates at a special Youth of the Year event, during which each nominee reads an original essay about what Boys & Girls Club means to them and are judged by a panel of local judges.

The 2025 Youth of the Year event, presented by Central Bank of Sedalia, was held in January at the Heckart Performing Arts Center. Winners were Claire (Leeton Site), Abigayle (Cole Camp Site) and Natalie (Green Ridge Site).

The 2026 Youth of the Year event will be held in January 2026.