The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Awards Dinner is a key annual event in many Scouting America councils. It celebrates individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to making Scouting more accessible and equitable for disadvantaged youth in underinvested areas. 

When this event comes around each February, the Laurel Highlands Council — which serves Scouts in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia — organizes an evening like no other. This year’s awards dinner will feature keynote speaker Oscar Harris, an Eagle Scout, architect, artist, author, and mentor. It promises to be an evening of inspiration, community-mindedness, and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and young adults. 

Here’s why you should attend or sponsor this incredible event.

Honoring the Value of Scoutreach Programs

One of the primary missions of Scouting America is to ensure that Scouting is available to every young person, regardless of their zip code or background. However, for youth in underserved communities — particularly in rural and low-income urban areas — access to Scouting can be limited by financial, logistical, and social barriers. That’s where Scoutreach programs come in.

Scoutreach is a nationwide initiative designed to bring Scouting programs to underserved communities, making them more accessible and inclusive. These programs are specifically designed to remove the barriers that typically prevent youth from participating in Scouting activities, such as high membership fees, lack of transportation, and limited adult leadership. 

Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local leaders, Scoutreach aims to create opportunities for young people to engage in leadership training, outdoor activities, and community service — experiences with lifelong value that might otherwise be out of reach.

Scoutreach programs provide countless benefits to youth in these communities, helping them build self-confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. These programs also play a critical role in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society by ensuring that every young person, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.

How Scoutreach Empowers Youth

The core goal of Scoutreach is to empower youth from all walks of life. Here’s how these programs make a difference:

• Provide access to leadership development. Through programs such as Scoutreach, young people gain valuable leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. These skills help them excel not only in Scouting but also in school, their future careers, and life in general.
• Build stronger communities. Scoutreach helps build stronger, more resilient communities by fostering connections among youth, adult mentors, and local organizations. This social cohesion plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing a path to success for many young people.
• Offer meaningful outdoor experiences. Scouting is renowned for its outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and community service projects. Scoutreach ensures youth in underserved areas have access to these enriching experiences, helping them build confidence and self-reliance.
• Foster inclusion and diversity. By reaching out to children from diverse backgrounds, Scoutreach programs promote inclusion and diversity, ensuring that all young people have the chance to participate in and benefit from Scouting.

The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award

The Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award honors individuals, organizations, or businesses that have made significant contributions to expanding Scouting opportunities for youth in underrepresented communities. Named after Whitney M. Young Jr., a prominent civil rights leader and advocate for social change, the award recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to making Scouting more inclusive and accessible, particularly for youth in underinvested areas. 

Why Attend or Sponsor?

By attending or sponsoring this event, you are supporting the continued success of Scoutreach programs and ensuring that more youth have access to the transformative experiences Scouting offers. Here’s what that entails:

• Support for underserved youth. Your participation will directly contribute to the ongoing funding of Scoutreach programs, helping to provide scholarships, transportation, uniforms, and other resources to youth who might not otherwise be able to participate in Scouting.
• Celebration of community heroes. The event honors individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to ensure that Scouting is available to all. Their dedication to youth and community empowerment is a testament to the power of volunteerism and social responsibility.
• Networking and community-building. The dinner provides a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, businesses, and community leaders who are passionate about making a difference. Whether you’re a Scout supporter, a potential donor, or a community leader, this event offers opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and build relationships that can lead to further positive impact.
• An inspiring shared experience. This year’s keynote speaker, Oscar Harris, is a distinguished Eagle Scout who has made significant contributions to the world as an architect, artist, author, and mentor. His journey through Scouting has shaped his life in profound ways, and his message will inspire attendees to continue working toward positive change in their communities.

About Oscar Harris: A True Scouting Role Model

Oscar Harris is an exemplary Eagle Scout whose dedication to service and mentorship has touched many lives. As an architect, artist, author, and mentor, he has used his platform to inspire others, particularly youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue their passions and reach their full potential. Harris is a living testament to the values of Scouting — leadership, service, and community engagement — and his keynote address will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Throughout his career, Harris has mentored many young people, encouraging them to think big, dream boldly, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. His work and dedication to service make him the perfect speaker to highlight the impact that Scouting can have on the lives of youth in underserved areas.

By attending or sponsoring the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Awards Dinner, you are joining a community of committed individuals who are working to make Scouting accessible to all young people. This event will not only honor the achievements of Scoutreach programs but also highlight the incredible individuals, such as Oscar Harris, who are leading the way in transforming lives through service.

Mark Your Calendar for the Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council’s Service Awards Dinner

If you live in the western parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, or West Virginia, enrolling your child in the Scouting America Laurel Highlands Council is an excellent way for them to learn about the importance of equitable and accessible programs for all American youth and young adults. 

Join us as we celebrate the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Awards Dinner on February 20, 2025, at the Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel. Register here to attend or donate and help us continue our mission to serve youth from all communities, regardless of circumstances.

The Laurel Highlands Council serves youth members and volunteer adult leaders throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania and portions of the Potomac region in Maryland and West Virginia. We aim to beneficially involve every eligible child and their family in the fun and adventure of our programs. We provide extraordinary youth development programs that teach and strengthen the values of the Scout Oath and Law. 

Contact us to learn about our Cub Scout and Scouts BSA programs for your child, and join now!