SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Jaycees is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 class of The Outstanding Young People. Each year, The Outstanding Young People awards program recognizes up to ten individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 who exemplify the best
attributes of young people from across Illinois.
Honorees reflect the vast diversity of young people that are making a  difference in their community – whether they get involved through business, nonprofit and community organizations, or government service. Nominations are accepted in one of the ten categories including: business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment; political, legal, and/or governmental affairs; academic leadership and/or accomplishment; cultural achievement; moral and/or environmental leadership; contribution to children, world peace, and/or human rights; humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership; scientific and/or technological development; personal improvement and/or accomplishment; or medical innovation.
The nomination form and more information about the award are available at https://www.illinoisjaycees.com/toyp-nominations or by emailing toyp@iljaycees.org.
Nominations are due January 24, 2026. The awards will be presented at a banquet in East Peoria on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
The Illinois Jaycees is a civic organization for men and women between the ages of 18 and 41 with a mission to provide development opportunities to empower young people to create positive change.  The Jaycees are part of Junior Chamber International with nearly 200,000 young active citizens and over five million alumni – including several world leaders.
##