Contrary to what the media shows, there are so many young people who are positively impacting their communities every day. McDonald’s USA knows that, and recognizes some of these exceptional youth through its annual 365Black Community Choice Youth Award.

The McDonald’s 365Black Community Choice Youth Award honors teens 13-18 who make a difference within their communities through vision, compassion and diligence that result in significant local, national or global impact.

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The award is back for its third consecutive year, and starting today, parents, teachers, and community leaders can nominate a teen who is making a difference within their community. One male and one female recipient will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship and will be honored alongside celebrities, philanthropists and influencers at the 13^th annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards, taking place in New Orleans during the 22^nd annual ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola®.

Nominators must complete an entry form, answer three questions about the nominee, and submit a three-minute video highlighting his or her contribution to the community. All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 31, 2016.

“So many young leaders are making positive change in their communities. We at McDonald’s are proud to bring our neighbors together in recognizing these excellent young people through the Community Choice Youth Awards,” said William Rhodes, McDonald’s U.S. marketing director. “We mean it when we say we are ‘Deeply Rooted in Your Community’ and we hope this recognition and appreciation of their work encourages our honorees to continue aiming high.”

Last year’s winners were Tori Turner and Aaron Johnson, 17 and 14 years old respectively. Turner is a philanthropist, motivational speaker, author and actress. She has raised over $16,000 through her non-profit Tori Turner’s D.R.E.A.M. Big Foundation. Johnson is the author of two books, owner of a production company and volunteer speaker for the Trayvon Martin Foundation.

The Community Choice Youth Award is part of McDonald’s 365Black Awards, which salutes outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. This year’s partner is the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), a leading advocate for Historically Black Colleges & Universities, which will distribute the $10,000 scholarships to both honorees.

If you have an exceptional teen in your family, or know of a teen in your community who is making a positive difference, take the time to nominate them for the McDonald’s 365Black Community Choice Youth Award today!

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365Black Community Choice Youth Award

To learn more about the McDonald’s 365Black Community Choice Youth Award, please visit www.365Black.com and follow @365Black on Twitter, using the hashtag #365BlackAwards.

365Black Community Choice Youth Award