Creating a sport for social impact program that supports and celebrates young leaders using sport for change in their communities.
The Challenge
To accompany the ESPYS and Sports Humanitarian Award in her name, tennis great and social change hero, Billie Jean King, wanted to create a youth leadership initiative that would encompass her values and support young people who use the power of sport to create social change.
The Solution
In partnership with ESPN and the Billie Jean King Foundation, the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award (BJKYLA) celebrates and honors youth who have used sport as a catalyst for change and make a positive impact on society.
Think Beyond has project-managed this award program for over 5 years. This has included managing the selection and identification process of youth leaders, creating a bespoke leadership development program for each cohort, delivering interactive leadership workshops, and individual executive coaching sessions, and managing the alumni network and their ongoing mentoring. In 2024, the Award honored 23 young people, growing on 2023’s number of 13.
The Impact
The BJKYLA continues to shine a light on some of America’s most ambitious young leaders. This program has supported 58 young leaders to identify their personal and professional goals and develop the skills to achieve them. In addition, honorees attend learning and inspiration Q&A sessions with leading figures in sport, business and media.
By finding young leaders across the U.S., Billie Jean King is nurturing role models that are ambitious and can galvanize other young people. As Billie Jean King has proven, it is those voices in the world today that are willing to challenge the status quo, be brave, and inspire others that can generate the greatest impact.
Notable achievements include:
- Over $250K donated to nonprofits/scholarships
- 11 nonprofits founded
- 160 hours of 1:1 sessions delivered
- 3 legal cases won by honorees
- 28 young people honored at the ESPYS and Sports Humanitarian Awards
- In total 58 young people have been selected for this award and they now form an active alumni group
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