2025 Youth Impact Awards – Now Accepting Applications!
In partnership with Eden Center, schools, community leaders, and organizations across the region, we are proud to present the First Annual Youth Impact Awards in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia at the Moon Festival at Eden Center on October 4, 2025.
This initiative is about so much more than medals or certificates. It’s about shining a light on the students who are working hard in school and still find time to give back to our community in meaningful ways. These students represent the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. By celebrating them today, we remind ourselves and the students that their voices, ideas, and actions matter.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, business leader, or neighbor, there is a place for you in this effort. Together, we can ensure our youth know their contributions matter and that their journey of leadership is just beginning. For more information about the Youth Impact Awards or ways to get involved, please contact us at hello@TogetherWeThriveUSA.org.
Purpose and Goals
The Youth Impact Awards will bring together families, educators, business leaders, and public officials from across the region to celebrate students who demonstrate that true greatness extends beyond test scores. It’s about character, service, and impact.
The 2025 Youth Impact Awards aim to:
- Elevate Youth Leadership – Recognize 500 students who model academic achievement and a commitment to serving others.
- Encourage Civic Engagement – Inspire a culture where service is celebrated as a cornerstone of leadership and community building.
- Build Stronger Partnerships – Foster collaboration between families, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and policymakers to empower the next generation.
- Advance Equity – Ensure every student, no matter their background, feels seen, valued, and celebrated.
Eligibility
The Youth Impact Awards application is open to all students. Students must:
Be currently enrolled in a middle or high school in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia.
Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on their most recent report card or transcript.
Complete at least 10 hours of community service between September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
All application and required materials must be submitted by Tuesday, September 30, 2025 (5:00 PM ET).
Award Recognition
All Youth Impact Awardees will receive:
- A certificate of achievement recognizing their leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to community service.
- A gift bag that will include a lantern, a $10 Eden Center gift card, and school supplies or learning materials. While the specific school supplies or learning materials may vary for each student, all awardees will be celebrated for their dedication to their communities and the positive impact they have made.
Important details
- A complete application, including the most recent report card or transcript (which may be from the previous school year), must be submitted by Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
- Up to 500 students will be recognized. Recognition is merit-based, not “first come, first served,” and all awardees will be notified by Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
- The Youth Impact Awards are part of the Moon Festival at Eden Center on October 4, 2025, where students will be celebrated alongside their peers, families, and community leaders.
- Awardees are required to attend in person to receive their certificate of achievement and gift bag. At this time, awards can only be presented in person, and students who do not attend will forfeit their award.
- Check-in for awardees will begin at 3:00 PM, and the award program is expected to run from 5 PM to 6 PM. Students should plan to arrive early to complete check-in and fully participate in the celebration. The Moon Festival will also feature fun activities for students and their families before and after the award program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How awards are determined
The Youth Impact Awards are merit-based. Up to 500 students who meet the eligibility requirements and complete the application, including at least 10 hours of community service between September 30, 2024, and September 30, 2025, will receive recognition.
All awardees will be notified by 5:00 PM on October 1, 2025, and are expected to attend the Moon Festival on October 4, 2025, where they will receive certificates of achievement and gift bags in honor of their leadership, academic achievement, and community impact.
If more than 500 students meet all eligibility requirements, awards will be distributed based on merit, community impact, and leadership, as determined by the selection committee.
How is community service counted?
Community service can include any activity that benefits your school, neighborhood, or broader community, such as volunteering at a local nonprofit, tutoring peers, helping organize community events, or participating in service projects.
When applying, be sure to document your hours and describe the impact of your work. This is your opportunity to show how your efforts are helping to build safer, healthier, and more connected communities for everyone.
Are awardees required to attend in person?
Yes. Attendance at the Moon Festival on October 4, 2025, is required for all awardees. Students will receive their awards in person and have the opportunity to be celebrated alongside families, educators, and community leaders.
What happens if a student cannot attend on October 4?
At this time, awards can only be presented in person. Students who do not attend the event will forfeit their award, so we strongly encourage all recipients to make arrangements to participate.
Official Disclaimer
The Youth Impact Awards are administered in partnership with community leaders, schools, and local organizations. Participation is subject to the following conditions:
- Application Review: Submission of an application does not guarantee recognition. Only students who meet all eligibility requirements will be selected.
- Privacy and Data Use: Student information is kept strictly confidential and used only for verifying eligibility and administering the awards.
- Recognition Limits: Up to 500 students across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia will be honored. Together We Thrive USA reserves the right to adjust participation levels as necessary.
- Non-Transferable: Certificates and gift packages are non-transferable and may not be exchanged or substituted.
- Program Adjustments: Together We Thrive USA retains the authority to modify program details, eligibility requirements, or award distribution in order to maintain fairness and integrity.
This program is made possible through the shared commitment of families, educators, community leaders, and private funders who believe in uplifting the next generation. We welcome your ideas and feedback on how we can continue to strengthen and grow the Youth Impact Awards. Please reach out at hello@TogetherWeThriveUSA.org.
Have more questions?
If you have additional questions about the Youth Impact Awards or the Moon Festival, please contact us at hello@TogetherWeThriveUSA.org.
Our team is happy to help and ensure students and families have all the information they need to participate and be celebrated.
