Youth Programs Awards

Nominations are closed for the 2025 Youth Programs Awards. Watch here for future announcements about 2026 nominations and awards.

The annual Youth Programs Awards recognize outstanding contributions to youth development and leadership for Iowa State University sponsored youth programs. Read below to learn about the awards and most recent awardees. For more information or questions about the awards program, contact Brandy Cunningham.

 

This award recognizes an individual who showed exceptional leadership in a youth program during the previous calendar year. The recipient went above and beyond their role, creating impactful and memorable experiences for both youth participants and volunteers. This leader inspired growth, fostered a positive environment, and contributed to the overall success of the program.

2025 Winner: Jenny Witzke, ISU KIN Kids
“While Jenny handles the administrative and training responsibilities, she also remains present in the programs overall so she can also provide activities with the children, directly observe the teaching practices of employees, and oversee the atmosphere of the program to ensure children are safe, learning and enjoying movement.”

This award celebrates a program that delivered exceptional youth programming. This program went above and beyond expectations, creating meaningful events that made a lasting impact on participants. It stands out due to its creativity, effectiveness, culture of safety, and the overall positive contribution it has made to youth development.

2025 Winner: Iowa High School Ethics Bowl - Philosophy and Religious Studies (program leaders Kate Padgett Walsh and Courtney Wilson)
“In addition to developing greater empathy and respect, students build critical thinking and teamwork skills through collective deliberation about important and sensitive ethical matters…One coach shared: “My students are always surprised and delighted to find that they can deal with controversy in a respectful and collaborative way. They gain confidence in their ability to form opinions about ethics in the real world. They feel better informed and ready for advocacy.”

This award honors a staff member (employee or volunteer) who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort within a youth program. The recipient consistently exceeded their responsibilities, ensuring events run smoothly, and supporting the youth program’s success in every way possible. Their contributions made a significant impact on the overall experience for youth participants and fellow program staff.

2025 Winner: KayLinh Luong, Preparing Individuals for Adulthood and Life (PIAL)
“KayLinh consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of the youth program, demonstrating exceptional dedication, adaptability, and commitment to youth participants and her team.”