The Young Achievers Awards started as CIVA’s RSA Young Leaders Awards, launched in 2001 as part of the International year of Volunteers. In 2004, this award scheme was merged with the Whitbread-sponsored awards for young people, which CIVA also helped design. And in 2007, the awards were handed over by Whitbread to the newly-formed Young Achievers Trust.

The Young Achievers Trust is a partnership between CIVA, YouthNet, UnLtd, the RSA and the Beacon Fellowship, and is governed by a board consisting mainly of young people. Initial funding came from grants from Whitbread and the government’s “V” fund which promotes youth volunteering.

The awards will be offered annually with winners, runners up and highly commendeds in these categories: arts, community, environment and sport.

The awards recognize the achievements of young people, and also invest in their future capabilities as young activists by offering cash prizes, access to project awards, money-can’t-buy opportunities and mentoring.

The 2008 awards were made in four categories with a winner and two runners up in each category at an awards ceremony held in April 2008.

www.youngachievers.co.uk