Awards

EXCELLENCE AWARD

An outstanding afterschool or youth development program that meets the highest standards of quality in the field and demonstrates capacity to meet the needs of children, youth and families in their community may be nominated for this award.

Afterschool or youth development organizations, departments and individual program sites which have operated for at least two years are eligible for the Excellence Award. The program can be public, private, faith-based, based in a school, neighborhood location, community center, library, museum, institution of higher learning, or military base. Anyone, including program staff, may nominate a program.

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

LEADERSHIP AWARD

An outstanding afterschool or youth development professional that demonstrates an understanding of the critical value of high-quality afterschool and youth development programs and exemplifies excellence in meeting the highest standards of quality and meeting the needs of children, youth and families in their community may be nominated for this award.

Afterschool and youth development professionals including executive directors, site directors, supervisors, coordinators and others who have at least five years of experience in the afterschool and youth development field are eligible for the Leadership Award. The individuals nominated should have contributed significantly to their program, their community and the field of afterschool and youth development.

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

RISING STAR AWARD

An outstanding afterschool or youth development program participant that exemplifies excellence in leadership and program and community engagement may be nominated for this award.

Youth ages 11 to 21 who have some connection as a program participant to a Georgia afterschool or youth development program are eligible for the Rising Stars Award. The individuals nominated should have contributed significantly to their program and their community and demonstrated positive leadership and decision-making skills.

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.)!

OUTSTANDING OST PROFESSIONAL AWARD

An outstanding afterschool or youth development professional whose work reflects understanding of the developmental needs of children, youth and families, continued professional development, and the highest standards outlined by the Georgia Youth Development and Afterschool Quality Standards may be nominated for this award.

Afterschool and youth development professionals including direct service staff, school-age classroom teachers and others who have at least two years of experience in the afterschool and youth development field are eligible for the Outstanding OST Professional Award. The individuals nominated must be an outstanding member of the profession whose work exemplifies out-of-school time best practices.

Congratulations to our 2025 Outstanding OST Professional Award Winner, Kenneth Daniels (Georgia College & State University High Achievers Program)!