National Youth of the Year Trei Dudley addressed youth concerns and issued call to action during live Jan. 29 State of the Youth webcast presented by Tupperware Brands

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) National Youth of the Year, Trei Dudley, 18, today unveiled the findings of a new national survey indicating two issues are top of mind for America's teens: (1) access to jobs, training and college opportunities after high school and (2) youth violence (including shootings and bullying). Dudley revealed the findings alongside BGCA's president and CEO, Jim Clark, in a live "State of the Youth Address" webcast from the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

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The address came less than 24 hours after Dudley joined four other BGCA Regional Youth of the Year winners in a private visit with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office, where they presented the survey findings to the President's team. During the "State of the Youth Address," Dudley and Clark issued a call to action asking all Americans – teens and adults – to sign an online petition at bgca.org/stateoftheyouth asking the White House to form a National Teen Advisory Committee to ensure our nation's leaders stay engaged and offer solutions for the most pressing issues facing youth.

"This survey reflects what I often hear from young people - they want and need our nation's leaders to address their priorities," said Dudley. "Beyond political leaders, we need the support of the entire nation – from nonprofit organizations that provide hope and opportunity for youth to companies that provide access and resources to ensure our success, like Tupperware Brands, which sponsors the Youth of the Year program and provided a scholarship to help fund my college education."

The national survey of more than 1,000 teens, ages 13 - 17, revealed that, as political leaders and decision makers chart the course of our country for the future, America's youth feel their top priorities are being overlooked. Sixty-five percent (65%) of American teens said the top three issues facing them and their peers are access to jobs, training or college after high school; violence affecting youth; and risky behaviors (alcohol, drug and sexual activity).  The survey also found that:

• 61% of America's young people are concerned about obtaining jobs, training or a college education after high school
• 60% of teens say violence affecting youth is one of their top three major issues
• Eight-two percent (82%) – that's eight out of 10 teens – did not feel their issues were addressed in 2012
• Only 10 percent are confident that our nation's leaders will address teen issues

"Most people won't be surprised that young people are concerned about their education, future job prospects and violence, but it is extremely disheartening to learn that only 10 percent feel confident that leaders will address their concerns," said BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark. "This revelation reinforces the importance of the work of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We are dedicated to collaborating with political leaders, other nonprofits, corporations and foundations to ensure our youth are prepared for success after high school and have access to scholarships for a postsecondary education. We have also partnered with the Office of the Vice President to identify the most effective strategies for helping to protect young people and prevent violence in our communities."

"In the current economy, in which jobs for young people are scarce and college tuition rates outpace the inflation rate – it is clear why our youth are most concerned about their education and career opportunities," said Rick Goings, Chairman and CEO of Tupperware Brands, which has supported Boys & Girls Clubs for more than 20 years and made a five-year commitment of $2.5 million to the Youth of the Year program. "As a company that believes strongly in education's empowering potential, we are proud to support Trei in her pursuit of higher education and her higher calling to make her generation's voice heard."

Dudley will present the initial signatures for the National Teen Advisory Committee petition to legislative leaders on Capitol Hill, and will conduct meetings to advocate for establishing a Committee.  When the new National and Regional Youth of the Year winners are chosen later this year, they will present the final petition to President Barack Obama during their visit to the White House.

For more information about the State of America's Youth survey or the Youth of the Year program, visit bgca.org/stateoftheyouth.

State of the Youth Survey Methodology

The online survey of a random sample of 1,010 American teens (ages 13-17) was conducted by Research Now™ on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) between December 20 and December 31, 2012.

About Youth of the Year

Established in 1947, National Youth of the Year is the highest honor Boys & Girls Clubs of America bestows on a Boys & Girls Club member. Sponsored by Tupperware Brands Corporation, the Youth of the Year program recognizes a teen Club member who has achieved academic success and made outstanding contributions to his or her family, school, community and local Boys & Girls Club, while overcoming personal obstacles. As the National Youth of the Year, Dudley received $11,000 in college scholarships from Tupperware and up to $50,000 from the Rick and Susan Goings Foundation. To win the national title, Dudley competed with Boys & Girls Club members from all over the U.S. and advanced through local, state and regional competitions. In addition to the scholarships and prizes, Dudley joined her fellow National Youth of the Year finalists at a congratulatory meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in the Oval Office on Jan. 28, 2013, where she presented the "State of the Youth" survey to the President's team.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Clubs serve some 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

About Tupperware Brands Corporation

Tupperware Brands Corporation is a portfolio of global direct selling companies, selling innovative, premium products across multiple brands and categories through an independent sales force of 2.7 million. Product brands and categories include design-centric preparation, storage and serving solutions for the kitchen and home through the Tupperware brand and beauty and personal care products for consumers through the Armand Dupree, Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller Cosmetics, NaturCare, Nutrimetics, and Nuvo brands.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America