Teens from across the state will meet with elected officials and take part in leadership development activities in first Summit held outside of Austin in event history
What: Nearly two dozen youth leaders from across the state will visit North Texas this week as Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) hosts the 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs Texas Summit featuring the annual Texas Youth of the Year competition. This marks the first time the Summit will be held outside of Austin since the event’s inception in 2010. Celebrating 100 years of service, host chapter BGCGTC serves more than 88,000 youth each year and is the largest Boys & Girls Club chapter in Texas.
During the Summit, 23 outstanding teens will compete for the state Youth of the Year title and the opportunity to advance to regional and national recognition. The competition recognizes young people for leadership, service, academic achievement and commitment to healthy lifestyles. Youth of the Year finalists will participate in leadership development activities and have opportunities to share their personal stories and vision for the future with a panel of community judges.
Ja’Miyah G., the 2026 Youth of the Year for BGCGTC, will represent the host organization. Local leaders and elected officials will also engage with candidates and celebrate their achievements. Winners of the Texas Youth of the Year and Texas Military Youth of the Year titles will be announced during the summit, and those individuals will go on to represent the state in regional competition.
When: Wednesday March 25, through Friday, March 27 Where: Hilton Arlington, 2401 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, Texas 76006 Agenda:
- Wednesday March 25 – Teens arrive.
- Thursday, March 26 – Youth of the Year finalists participate in judging panels and take a college tour at the University of Texas at Arlington.
- Friday, March 27 (Best media opportunities) 9:30–10:45 a.m.: Elevate Youth Voice Town Hall meeting. Seven Youth of the Year teens share the stage with elected officials, including State Representatives David Cook, Venton Jones, Nicole Collier and Rhetta Bowers. 11 a.m. –1 p.m.: Youth of the Year Celebration Luncheon. Statewide Youth of the Year and military Youth of the Year winners will be announced and go on to regional competition.
About Youth of the Year Established in 1947, the program is Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership recognition initiative and the highest honor a Club member can receive. For more than 75 years, Youth of the Year honorees have served as advocates for issues affecting young people and ambassadors for Club youth nationwide.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County Founded in 1926, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County is the oldest and largest Boys & Girls Club organization in Texas, serving youth ages 6 to 18 across Tarrant, Denton and Hill counties. Operating 26 locations, BGCGTC provides high-impact programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership and workforce readiness. Last year, BGCGTC served more than 88,000 young people across North Texas.
