The EMpact One Foundation is excited to announce the relaunch of its YES! (Youth Empowered to Serve) Awards, a community recognition program honoring young people who are making a positive impact through leadership, service, perseverance, and character.
The newly enhanced program will recognize up to 10 outstanding youth each year through quarterly selection cycles. Honorees will become members of the YES! Awards Class of 2026 and will be recognized publicly for the difference they are making in their schools, organizations, and communities.
Nominations can be submitted HERE
“Every day, young people are quietly changing the world around them,” said Bekka Wilkerson, Executive Director of The EMpact One Foundation. “The YES! Awards exist to shine a light on those young leaders who serve others, overcome obstacles, and inspire the people around them. We believe their stories deserve to be celebrated.”
The Foundation is seeking nominations for youth who exemplify:
- Leadership
- Character and integrity
- Community service
- Perseverance and resilience
- Personal growth
- Positive impact on others
Recipients will be selected by an independent committee using a standardized scoring process designed to ensure a fair and transparent review.
READ MORE BELOW
Quarterly Recognition
Each quarter, selected recipients will receive:
- A professionally presented framed certificate
- A $50 gift card provided by the Awards Sponsor Arkansas Medical Staffing
- Recognition across The EMpact One Foundation’s social media platforms
- A featured image on the Foundation’s website
- Recognition through local media and community partners
Annual Recognition
At the conclusion of the calendar year, two members of the YES! Awards Class will be selected to receive $500 scholarships in recognition of their exceptional leadership and service.
The Foundation believes youth recognition extends far beyond academics and athletics.
“We’re looking for young people who make their communities better,” Wilkerson said. “Whether they’re serving others, encouraging classmates, showing resilience through adversity, volunteering, mentoring, or simply leading by example, we want to hear their story.”
Nominations are accepted from parents, educators, coaches, employers, mentors, faith leaders, and community members. Eligible nominees must be 18 years of age or younger and actively engaged in school, a recognized youth activity, or their community.
Applications are reviewed quarterly, and nominations remain open throughout the year.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit:
About The EMpact One Foundation
The EMpact One Foundation is an Arkansas-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming the way youth impact the world by removing barriers to opportunity and empowering young people through sports, education, leadership, and community engagement. Through programs including Tuition Assistance, the Mobile Sports Locker, the EMpact Athletics Academy, and the YES! Awards, the Foundation works to ensure every young person has the opportunity to grow, serve, and succeed.
