Why Not You Foundation Announced Student Competition
The annual Youth Athlete of the Year contest has drawn over 163,000 student entries.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you believe youth sports competitions effectively provide resources to kids in underserved communities?
The Why Not You Foundation has launched its Youth Athlete of the Year Competition, offering student athletes a chance at a $25,000 grand prize. This national initiative aims to provide essential resources to children living in underserved communities across the United States.
Why it matters
The program seeks to bridge the resource gap for young athletes by offering financial support and professional mentorship. By connecting students with established leaders in sports, the foundation aims to foster long-term development for participants.
A total of 163,072 students entered the competition to vie for the $25,000 grand prize. The foundation remains focused on supporting youth development through this multi-stage tournament.
The players
Russell Wilson
He is an NFL quarterback who co-founded the Why Not You Foundation in 2014.
Ciara
She is a singer and songwriter who co-founded the Why Not You Foundation.
Antario Jacas
He is a student athlete from Conyers who is currently participating as a quarter-finalist.
The details
Students gain entry to the competition by submitting an essay and advancing through a tournament structured by social media voting. The winner receives a cash prize, mentorship from professional athletes, and a dedicated 3Brand advertisement in Sports Illustrated.
Timeline
The Why Not You Foundation was founded in 2014.
The Youth Athlete of the Year Competition occurs in 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the mission of the Why Not You Foundation to expand its reach in the non-profit sector. The competition strengthens the foundation's position as a key philanthropic actor focused on youth mentorship and social equity.
Student athletes and their families can participate in the competition process to gain access to national exposure and financial grants. The program serves as a tangible resource for those looking to fund athletic development through essay submissions.
The takeaway
The foundation highlights the power of social media engagement as a mechanism for building competitive tournament structures for students. Participants should focus on their essay narratives to effectively convey their potential to judges and voters.
Further reading
For more information on non-profit initiatives, visit Philanthropy.
More information
Learn more about the program requirements on the Youth Athlete of the Year competition website.
Live Poll
Do you believe youth sports competitions effectively provide resources to kids in underserved communities?
