Youth Awards
Envisioned as a celebration of youth and youth power, the TCE Youth Awards celebrates young people transforming their environments through love, data, and voice.
The Youth Awards honor youth who…
- Engage civically, volunteer locally, advocate for important causes, or encourage engagement among their peers.
- Take brave action when faced with deep-rooted systemic barriers and injustice.
- Have shown up in their community as agents of change.
- Will continue to evolve as leaders in the years ahead.
- Have made a positive impact on their community at large.
These California youth inspire their peers and communities while embodying the values of The California Endowment.
The awards are given in recognition of young leaders whose actions impact public policies, create innovative models of service, strengthen local institutions, and cultivate youth power.
Across the state, young people are leading from the frontlines, taking action, and advancing conversations to create lasting change that will lead to a more equitable and healthy future. The Youth Awards, created in 2018, recognize and celebrate the young changemakers and youth-allied organizations that have made a tremendous impact on improving the health of their communities and across California.
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12
Awarded in the North Region -
6
Awarded in the Central Region -
11
Awarded in the Los Angeles Region -
8
Awarded in the South Region
“When you provide young people with a little mentoring support, little bit of resources, someone looking them in the eye and letting them know 'I believe in you', these young people can really take things a long, long way.”
DR. ROBERT K. ROSS President & CEO, The California Endowment
Browse Other Changes Planted by Dr. Ross
Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years
Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted
Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016
Farmworker Health $50M initiative
TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded
Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA
Youth on the Board 1st of large foundations in US to have youth on the board
Childhood Obesity & Freshworks $272M to expand access to fresh and healthy foods in low-income communities
CHIS 20,000 households interviewed annually to find health gaps in CA
Kids Health Coverage Campaign $4M to help enroll children in health programs
Cultural Competency/Health Workforce/PRIME $78.2M to CA organizations working to boost the size and diversity of the state's healthcare workforce
TCE Headquarters 125,000+ use our facilities every year
Wishing Wall
Miyihah-Tlakilte Dr. Ross -
On behalf of Anawakalmekak and the Gabrielino shoshone nation. Much love on your journey.
Bob bravo! What a magnificent legacy!
My best,
- Anne
Thank you for believing in us and the opportunities your faith in us have afforded so many. We wish tenfold those blessings on you.
- Alf LaMont
Thank you for seeding so much change in the world, Dr. Ross!
The force is strong in our family.
- D. Wash
Dr. Ross! You are a blessing and have changed the world we live in. Thank you.
- H.S.F.
Dr. Ross,
Wishing you all of the joy and relaxation you well deserve. Thank you for everything!
- Alyric Bell (UNITE-LA)
Happy times and thanks for all you have done for me.
Dr. Ross,
Wishing you special times with your daughter. Relax and enjoy the beach.
Love,
- Marie P.
My friend -
Thank you for always believing in the work. I hope you get some time to rest and find new horizons (and no stalkers).
With love
Dr. Ross -
I want to thank and appreciate you for being an advocate for our most underserved communities and our boys of color. It is with deep gratitude that I can say that your investments have given me a career and supported my healing journey.
- Omar Torres
Congratulations on a long and impactful career! Best wishes for your next stage of life!
Best,
- Amy
POWER
Dearest Bob,
I will forever appreciate how you have welcomed and vouched for me in philanthropy. And there’s still time for you to get us that $5mil!
- Shane
We wish you well wishes.
- Brotherhood Crusade
You are a big inspiration for this world! Thank you!
Dr. Ross,
You rock.
Thanks for everything!!! Best of luck!
Dear Bob -
It was an honor to be part of TCE. I wish you all the best in life and love in your retirement. Hope to see you in Pasadena.
Dr. Bob -
Enjoy this next chapter in your life. I wish you joy!
- Jim Crouch
RKR - sooooo wonderful to gather this evening to celebrate you! The honor and privilege of knowing you is more than I can describe. Hoping we will be sure to connect as you go.
Unveiling Our
2025 Annual
Report
The California Endowment is proud to present our 2025 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.
View Report