24 Years of Planting Change

Youth Awards

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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.

Youth Awards

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
  • Youth Awards
  • Youth Awards
  • Youth Awards
  • Youth Awards
  • Youth Awards
  • Youth Awards

Browse Other Changes Planted by Dr. Ross

Building Healthy Communities

Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years

Health4All

Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted

Schools Not Prisons

Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016

Farmworker Health

Farmworker Health $50M initiative

TCE Grant Making 2023

TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded

Parks for All

Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA

Youth on the Board

Youth on the Board 1st of large foundations in US to have youth on the board

Childhood Obesity Freshworks

Childhood Obesity & Freshworks $272M to expand access to fresh and healthy foods in low-income communities

CHIS

CHIS 20,000 households interviewed annually to find health gaps in CA

Kids Health Coverage Campaign

Kids Health Coverage Campaign $4M to help enroll children in health programs

Cultural Competency

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

TCE Headquarters 125,000+ use our facilities every year

View All

Wishing Wall

Thank you for your leadership and keeping justice at the center of LA philanthropy!

Bob bravo! What a magnificent legacy!
My best,
- Anne

Dr. Ross -
The man who helped me to dream in decades! Thank you for your leadership and example of courage. You’ve made us all better!
- Kaci Patterson

Dr. Ross,
Thank you for all that you have done to advance justice and equity in our communities.

Wishing you good health and lots of laughter!

You inspired me to keep endeavoring in education even when it's hard. Thank you.

Bob -
With huge appreciation for an example of excellence, humility, and grace.
Best wishes.

Rosetta Henderson Bloom again

Dr. Ross! Congrats on your transition. I am grateful for the opportunity to have grown up with your support. You inspired me to chase my dreams.
- Corleone (BMoC)

Congratulations on a long and impactful career! Best wishes for your next stage of life!
Best,
- Amy
POWER

We wish you well wishes.
- Brotherhood Crusade

Dr. Ross -
I learned so much from you and loved working together on op-eds, etc… After a break, I think you have a book in you.

Celebrate your new life!!
Our very best,
- Lew & Mary

Bob!
Rest. Relax. Renew. Have fun…
- Kisha Grove

We are forever grateful for your tireless work to make CA a beloved community for all! Si se puede!
With deep appreciation,
- Mayra Alvarez & The Children’s Partnership team

Enjoy & have fun. God bless you!
- Elizabeth Tabita

Dr. Ross,
You rock.

Thanks for everything!!! Best of luck!

Hey Bob!
Best wishes for what’s next! Love you!

Thank you for all your work!
- Olga (FBHC)

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
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