Awards

Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development Awards

The Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development (ASYD) Awards honor outstanding professionals, programs, and youth and recognize honorees for their efforts and excellence in the afterschool and youth development field. Winners of the 2026 Georgia ASYD Awards will be announced on August 27, 2026, at the Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development Awards Ceremony at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville, GA.

In 2026, nominations will be accepted for the following awards:

- Excellence Award – Recognizing outstanding afterschool and youth development programs
- Leadership Award – Recognizing exceptional leaders in afterschool and youth development
- Direct Service Staff Excellence Award – Recognizing outstanding professionals working directly with youth
- Rising Star Award – Recognizing outstanding youth leadership and impact

For more information, please contact Patrice Holt at pholt@georgiavoices.org or 470-816-6325.

Submit a Nomination

EXCELLENCE AWARD

Recognizing Outstanding Afterschool and Youth Development Programs

The Excellence Award honors an afterschool or youth development program that demonstrates the highest standards of quality and a strong commitment to meeting the needs of children, youth, and families in their community. These programs serve as models of excellence in out-of-school time by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.

Eligible programs show evidence of:

High quality programming aligned with best practices in youth development and the Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development Standards
Positive youth outcomes, including skill building, leadership development, and emotional well-being
Strong family and community engagement
Continuous quality improvement through intentional reflection, evaluation, and staff development

Programs nominated for this award demonstrate the capacity to deliver meaningful, enriching experiences that support the physical, social, and cognitive development of youth.

Congratulations to our 2025 Excellence Award Winner, Los Niños Primero!

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognizing Exceptional Leaders in Afterschool and Youth Development

The Leadership Award honors an outstanding professional who exemplifies excellence in leadership within the afterschool and youth development profession. This individual demonstrates a deep commitment to quality, inspires others, and leads with vision to positively impact programs, staff, youth, and families.

Nominees for this award:

Model best practices in youth development and program quality
Demonstrate strong leadership skills, including coaching, mentoring, and team development
Advance innovation and improvement within their organization or community
Show a commitment to professional growth and the advancement of the field

These leaders set the tone for program excellence by fostering supportive environments, championing equitable practices, and ensuring that youth and families receive high quality experiences that meet their needs.

Congratulations to our 2025 Leadership Award Winner, Ashley Baker (YMCA Atlanta)!

DIRECT SERVICE STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Recognizing Outstanding Professionals Working Directly with Youth

The Direct Service Staff Excellence Award recognizes an exceptional youth development professional who works directly with young people and demonstrates excellence in practice, relationships, and impact. These individuals are on the front lines of youth development, building meaningful connections, and creating positive experiences for youth every day.

Eligible nominees:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of the developmental needs of children and youth
Build positive, supportive relationships that foster belonging and engagement
Implement high quality activities that promote learning, leadership, and skill development
Reflect a commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement

This award celebrates individuals whose daily work exemplifies out-of-school time best practices and reflects the highest standards outlined in the Georgia Youth Development and Afterschool Quality Standards.

RISING STAR AWARD

Recognizing Youth Leadership and Impact

The Rising Star Award honors young people (ages 11–21) who are active participants in afterschool or youth development programs and demonstrate outstanding leadership, growth, and community impact.

Nominees for this award:

Clearly articulate the value of their participation in youth programs
Demonstrate leadership through involvement in activities, clubs, or community efforts
Show growth in skills such as communication, responsibility, and teamwork
Apply what they have learned in their programs to make a positive impact in their communities

Selected youth exemplify the power of high quality youth development experiences and serve as role models for their peers. They demonstrate how participation in afterschool programs builds confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose.

Congratulations to our 2025 Rising Star Award Winners, Alvaro Saldarriaga Arcila (HealthMPowers), Jakeria Few (Warren County Teens in Action), and Joie Phillips (Street Smart Youth Project Inc.)!