Civic Youth Awards Program
The Civic Youth Awards Program recognizes youth between the ages of 10-24 years for noteworthy achievements and contributions to the community. View award recipients from the previous years, below.
Each year the City presents awards in six categories as follows:
Rise Up Award
Recognizes youth who have overcome adversity and recorded noteworthy achievements in some line of endeavour, or have exhibited a commitment to personal change and growth. Such areas could include:
- Making great personal strides
- Overcoming personal or societal barriers
- Demonstrating or possessing outstanding music, scholastic, art or sports acumen
Give Back Award
Recognizes youth who have made positive contributions to the community on a voluntary basis such as serving on a committee and other volunteer work with organizations and groups. All nominees must have provided a minimum of 75 hours of school or community services.
Kind Heart Award
Recognizes youth who have demonstrated an act of bravery, selflessness or notable deed for the betterment of another. The act may have occurred spontaneously or as part of a group. The act may have occurred locally, nationally or internationally. The act may have bettered the lives of humans or animals.
Best Youth Friendly Biz Award
Recognizes a business that has performed an exceptional job in hiring or training youth, providing opportunities to youth, or providing funding for youth activities support. Could be for one youth or a number of youth.
Awesome Ally Award
Recognizes an adult mentor or service club in providing support and services to youth.
Outstanding Squad Award
Recognizes a group of youth who have completed a minimum of 50 hours per person of community (or school) service resulting in a program or service of enhancement for their school or community.
Nomination Process
Potential applicants should begin by reviewing the Youth Award Guidelines which provides details of each award and the associated process. The next step is completing the Youth Awards Nomination Form and submitting by this year's deadline: Monday, March 13, 2023 at 11:59pm.
All applications will be reviewed by the Youth Awards Selection Committee and referred to Council. Council then selects award recipients from the list of nominees.
Youth Scholarship Program
In addition to our youth awards, there is a Youth Centennial Scholarship Program that provides annual scholarships to youth who have demonstrated outstanding community service and who are pursuing post-secondary education. This program is administered by The North Shore Community Foundation on behalf of the City. Learn more about the Youth Centennial Scholarship.
Past Youth Awards Winners