Planet Fitness Awards $250,000 in 'Judgement Free Generation' Scholarships to Youth Advocates of Kindness and Inclusion
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Planet Fitness has announced the recipients of its 2024 Judgement Free Generation® scholarships, awarding $250,000 to 50 high school seniors across the United States. Each student, affiliated with a local Boys & Girls Club, will receive $5,000 to support their post-secondary education.
The scholarship program, now in its eighth year, is part of Planet Fitness’ broader Judgement Free Generation® initiative, which aims to foster inclusion, acceptance, and kindness among youth. Since 2017, the company has awarded more than $1.65 million in scholarships to 330 teens. This year, half of the selected recipients identify as first-generation college students.
Unlike traditional scholarship models that focus on academic or athletic achievement, this program recognizes teens who demonstrate leadership by promoting a judgement-free approach in their communities. Applicants were evaluated through a multi-tiered process, including personal essays, staff recommendations, and video submissions, with a focus on how they embody Judgement Free™ values.
Among this year’s scholarship recipients is Aniya A., who experienced homelessness at age 13 and found support through her local Boys & Girls Club. Today, she serves as a junior staff member and youth development intern and plans to study psychology at East Tennessee State University. Jack S., another recipient, has been involved with his Boys & Girls Club since childhood and now works as a counselor. He plans to pursue a degree in finance at Virginia Tech while continuing to give back to his community. Irina C. turned personal loss into purpose when she co-founded a suicide prevention clothing line called 1 in 5 after losing a friend. She helped raise $10,000 for her Club’s Wellness Center and intends to study nutritional sciences at New York University.
"Planet Fitness strives to provide an environment where everyone feels like they belong," said McCall Gosselin, Planet Fitness' Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. "Our commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America and its youth is just one of the ways we focus on supporting younger generations, advancing their wellbeing and empowering them to promote kindness in their communities. We are proud to support these inspiring teens on their academic journeys as they continue to make a positive impact in the world."
"Each year, we are honored to collaborate with Planet Fitness to make these opportunities possible and to provide scholarships to well-deserving teens who positively contribute to their communities," said Jim Clark, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "We remain committed to empowering America's leaders of tomorrow for years to come and are proud to work alongside Planet Fitness to offer generous scholarships that help teens take the next step in their journey of kindness and inclusion."
Since the partnership began in 2016, Planet Fitness and its franchisees, members, and partners have contributed over $10.5 million to support youth wellbeing. This includes funding for social-emotional skill-building programs at Boys & Girls Clubs, developed using a trauma-informed approach, as well as the installation of mini–Judgement Free Zones® in select locations nationwide.
Credit: Planet Fitness