01
Rising Star Award
For a young person who has shown remarkable improvement and emerging potential, a spark of what's to come.
About the Awards
The Power of Potential Gala Awards.
A celebration of what becomes possible when people are believed in.
The Vision
Why these awards exist.
The Power of Potential Gala Awards exist to shine a light on the extraordinary young people in our communities, the mentors who support them, and the advocates who refuse to give up on the next generation. This is not just an awards ceremony. It is a celebration of what becomes possible when people are believed in.
Awards focus on nominees aged 11–18 as the primary audience.
The Categories
Six awards. One stage.
Each category honours a different shape of impact.
02
Community Champion Award
Recognising those who have made a meaningful contribution to their local community, the people who quietly hold neighbourhoods together.
03
Resilience Award
Honouring young people who have overcome significant challenges with determination, turning adversity into momentum.
04
Leadership Award
Celebrating those who inspire and guide others through action and example, leaders shaping the people around them.
05
Creative Excellence Award
For outstanding creative expression through arts, media, music or innovation, voices and visions that move the room.
06
Future Pathways Award
Recognising progress towards education, training or employment goals, young people building the next chapter of their lives.
How We Judge
Fair, transparent, community-led.
Our judging panel brings together young people, mentors, community leaders and independent advisors. Every nomination is read.
Criteria (to be confirmed)
Detailed criteria for each category will be published here ahead of nominations opening. In short, we look for impact, character, and the story behind the work , not polish or profile.
Self-nominations are warmly encouraged. You know your story best.
Read the full rules The Journey
Key dates for 2026.
- 1June 2026Awards announced and nominations open
- 2August 2026Nominations close
- 3September 2026Shortlisted finalists revealed
- 4November 2026Gala and winners announced
Frequently asked
Nominating a young person, your questions answered.
How do I nominate a young person for an award?+
Visit the nominations page, choose one of six award categories, and submit the young person's story (up to 300 words). Self-nominations are warmly encouraged. Nominees should be aged 11–18 and based in the UK.
When is the Power of Potential Gala Awards ceremony?+
The ceremony takes place on 29 November 2026 in London, hosted by the Steve Browne Foundation.
Who can be nominated for a youth award?+
Any inspirational young person aged 11–18 in the UK can be nominated. Five of the six categories celebrate young people directly; one celebrates the mentors, teachers and youth workers supporting them.
Is there a cost to nominate?+
No. Nominating a young person for an award is free. Tickets to attend the gala in London are sold separately.
When do youth award nominations close?+
Nominations for the 2026 youth awards close in August 2026. Shortlisted finalists are revealed in September 2026.
Know someone deserving?
It takes 5 minutes, and could change a life.