More of Dr. Robert K. Ross's Legacy

24 Years of Planting Change

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.

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

View All

Wishing Wall

Dr. Ross,
Thank you for being unwavering and clear about TCE’s purpose. Thank you for always listening and learning and dreaming about what could be.
Forever grateful,
- Mia Bolton

Dr. Ross,
You are an amazing person/soul! Wish you the best retirement!

Bob,
We can’t thank you enough. Our wish is that you take some time to do what you want to do.
You’ve done so much for others. It’s time to DO YOU!
God bless,
- Steve & Jenn

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

May the force be with you in your new journey!
- Revolve Impact

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

Bob:
Thanks for 24 years of service to TCE and all Californians! Enjoy your new adventures!

Dr. Ross,
I hope this next chapter fills you up as you get to witness the work and people you have nurtured for all these years.

Rosetta Henderson Bloom again

Dr. Ross,
Wishing you all of the joy and relaxation you well deserve. Thank you for everything!
- Alyric Bell (UNITE-LA)

Dr. Ross -
Wishing you abundance in this next chapter! Thank you for your infinite sacrifices for justice.
- Sonya Diaz

Best wishes to you and your family.
Blessings,
Mykol Lewis
Brotherhood Crusade

Bob -
“Dr. Ross” - thank you for your leadership, support, and contributions towards health equity and health justice.
With gratitude,
- Ignatius Bau

Your words at the Liberty Hill dinner always stuck with me and I continue to share the message today.
Thank you,
- Darryl

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.

Bobbie -
May God continue to order your steps. He;s not finished with you yet.

You are an inspiration! Thank you for everything.
- Ted

Bob!
Sending love and thanks to you - a role model for the good.
- Robin

Dear Dr. Ross,
Wishing you joy, peace, and more free time than you know what to do with. I love you!
- Marc P.

Dr. Ross,
You instilled so much confidence in me by choosing me to be on the board. You truly have no idea about the trajectory my life will go on. Thank you immensely and I wish you all the best.

Submit a Thank You