Placer County Youth Impact Awards now Accepting Applications


Published on March 19, 2015

Do you know a high school-age leader, innovator, community volunteer, or against-the-odds achiever?  The Placer County Youth Impact Awards is a new platform on which to recognize Placer teens for their hard work and contributions to the community. The Placer County Youth Commission created the awards because students felt there was a lack of awareness and recognition of youth service and perseverance. “Youth are creating positive change yet youth service and youth resilience isn’t acknowledged like academics or athletics,” said Youth Awards Chair Tyler Tate. “These awards can bring recognition to those who deserve it the most.” 

To participate in the Youth Impact Awards, students complete an online application available by clicking the following link application. Deadline for submissions is at midnight on April 6, 2015.  The five award categories are leadership, community service, applied knowledge and talents, overcoming adversity, and a group impact award. Each category will have one $100 award recipient, yet all applicants will receive recognition at a celebration dessert on Sun. April 26th at 7 p.m. at the Woodcreek Golf Course Clubhouse, 5880 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville.  

“The Youth Impact Award Scholarship counters the misconceptions about the stereotypical apathetic youth. The commission has built a stage to showcase the young change-makers of Placer County,” said Leenah Bassouni, a Placer County Youth Commission member. “Also, we are often unaware of the obstacles our peers have faced and overcome. By highlighting stories of both service and of strength, we not only celebrate the individual, we inspire and bring hope to others.”

The Placer County Youth Commission consists of Placer County students age 14-21 who represent the Placer County’s western slope. There are 18 formal commissioners appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The commission researches youth issues and concerns, advocates to have a youth voice in local policy and decision-making, and engages students and the community in creating positive community change.  More about the youth commission can be found by clicking this link: Youth Commission.