Nominations Are Open For the 2024 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award

March 29, 2024

As youth movements continue to grow in local communities across the United States, increasingly we are seeing young leaders tackling pressing social issues and providing sustainable solutions through the power of sport.

We’re excited to announce that applications for ESPN’s 2024 Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award are now open through May 3. Since 2019, the Award has celebrated young leaders who, like the tennis icon, are committed to leadership and service. As part of the prestigious Sports Humanitarian Awards and ESPYS, the 2024 recipients will encompass high school and college-aged students (up to 25-years-old) who are using sport to improve their communities.

This year, the award’s reach is also increasing exponentially – now recognizing three national and 20 regional young leaders! National honorees will receive a $10,000 grant, while regional honorees will receive a $2,500 grant. The charitable grants can either be awarded as a college academic scholarship or be directed to an eligible non-profit associated with the honoree.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND APPLY
Applications close May 3 at 11:59pm EDT.

National honorees will also be recognized at the 2024 ESPYS in Los Angeles, California, being televised mid-July.

"Winning the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award as an 18-year-old was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to me. To be recognized by one of my heroes, a woman who I have always admired, really helped solidify the direction I wanted to go in my life. I am thankful every day for the relationships and connections with other inspiring people the award has helped me build.”

-Ally Friedman, 2020 Honoree

Young leaders can apply directly, or non-profits who work with potential candidates can apply on their behalf. Beyond Sport is holding three information sessions in April to provide more information and answer any questions applicants may have.

Saturday, April 13, 2024, 12 pm EDT
Saturday, April 13, 2024, 12 pm PDT
Monday, April 22, 2024, 7 pm EDT

Learn more about the 2023 honorees and their work

Some of the 2023 Honorees at the ESPYS (l.-r. Rishan Patel, Ashley Badis, Jordan Adeyemi) (ESPN Images)

Honorees will receive incredible opportunities including:

• Being honored during the ESPYS, with the three national honorees joining the incredible winners and honorees of other prestigious awards, including the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.
• Receive either a one-time college academic scholarship or direct a grant to an eligible nonprofit aligned with their work.
• Participate in experiential learning and development programs over the next year to receive mentoring and leadership coaching, while engaging with senior leaders in the sport industry and attending sport-for-development workshops.

Don’t wait – begin your application today! If you have any questions, please email Aparna Reddy at [email protected].