Youth Advocate Award
Another word for activism is imagination…
being able to envision a world that doesn’t yet exist.
— Eddie Ndopu
Thank You For Submitting Your 2026 Youth Advocate Award Nominations!
The Youth Advocate Award is presented to a young person in Florida (under the age of 18 or a current K-12 student) who has worked diligently over the past year as an advocate, initiating positive change for themselves, their peers, their communities, or statewide. Congratulations again to our 2026 Youth Advocate Award recipient, Clint John, Jr. of Virtutem Populo, Inc.
- Engaging in creative efforts and activities
- Demonstrating strong youth leadership
- Working collaboratively to improve the lives of others
- Supporting programs and/or policies that have benefited children and families
- Youth nominees must be Florida residents under 18 years of age or in school (K-12) at the time of their nomination
- Candidates are nominated by teachers, parents, mentors, peers and other colleagues. Self-nominations are also accepted
- These nominees should be actively involved in advocacy at the local or state level that have improved the lives of their peers, or Florida’s children, teens, and families
- Youth nominees will have the option to submit a 2-minute video or a 500-word personal statement in addition to their nomination form. These videos and statements will also be shared with the award review committee.
The 2026 Youth Advocate, Clint John, Jr., was honored on Monday, February 23, 2026, during our annual Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The recipient was also invited to take part in various activities and speaking engagements throughout Children’s Week Florida events in Tallahassee, Florida.
Nominations are reviewed by the Florida After School, Inc. Board of Directors and the Children’s Week Florida Advocacy Awards Committee, which is composed of former award recipients, community partners, and dedicated advocates. All nominations are pre-screened to ensure eligibility. If a nominee’s qualifications align better with a different category (Chiles, Impact, or Youth), the nominator is contacted regarding any recommended changes. Advocate Award winners are notified at least two weeks prior to the Advocacy Dinner & Ceremony to make travel arrangements (if applicable).
