NCYL - Youth Salute

Youth Salute

When Youth Salute communities applaud the positive accomplishments of their young men and women, they are building a culture that encourages excellence.

Youth Salute recognizes outstanding high school seniors, and involves them in seminars and workshops specifically designed to further develop their exemplary leadership skills.

Youth Salutes are the roots of our program, and have been implemented in communities across the country to provide recognition to outstanding high school seniors.

Nominations for Youth Salutes are requested during a student's junior year. The nominees must have been elected to a leadership position and have at least a "B" average. Students are not only nominated based upon grades, but also on their leadership activity in school, religious organizations, and in their community. Each student is asked to complete an application and answer an essay question.

We are applauding balanced young people who understand the importance of giving back. Young people who have already made a significant difference in their world are nominated. Community leaders interview the nominees throughout the spring and summer months. Those students selected for the program then participate in:

- Seminars and workshops focused on team building, communication, change, positive attitude, self-esteem, and leadership skills.
- Community recognition ceremonies, local media coverage, and photographic displays of youth accomplishments.
- Scholarships and awards to outstanding youth leaders.
- Various social events

The Youth Leaders of the Year from each chapter are also awarded an all-expense paid trip to the annual national NCYL leadership conference "Town Meeting on Tomorrow".

Local chapters, as in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, award as many as 47 scholarships to their student leaders. Lexington, Kentucky has 850 nominees each year and awards $64,000 in scholarships.

Each chapter is unique unto itself. Local chapters pay $1,000 in annual dues to the NCYL, which entitles them to send four students to the "Town Meeting on Tomorrow". Many Youth Salutes start by sending a junior ambassador to "Town Meeting on Tomorrow". After returning to their community (with parent, school and community support) the students then serve on a team that starts a new local chapter.