Time Running Out To Apply For Phoenix Student Leadership Awards

PHOENIX, AZ —Local high school students have until Friday to apply for the Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader (OPYL) of the Year awards.

According to the city, the annual awards "recognize and honor achievements of young people, enhance the perception of youth and raise community awareness of the positive contributions of youth."

Every year, two students from each of the eight council districts are selected and receive a cash award of $500. Two of those winners get an additional $1,500 award.

The 16 student winners then are recognized at an annual event, where the teacher who inspired them also is honored.

District winners also will have an opportunity to participate in city-wide programs and make special appearances to promote youth issues, according to organizers.

In order to be eligible, students must:

• Be a current high school student (or home-schooled) in grades 9 through 12 in Phoenix, or must live within Phoenix city limits.
• Be a U.S. citizen or provide evidence of lawful presence in the United States.
• Complete and submit a scholarship application online and send required supporting documentation to the review committee within the provided deadline.
• Be available for in-person interviews if selected as a finalist.

Applications are available online. For questions, email mailbox.youth@phoenix.gov or call 602-262-7916