Tamuning, Guam, Wednesday, August 18, 2021- GTA officially launched the Youth Leader program for SY 2021-2022. The program showcases youth leaders who create positive change in their communities while excelling in academics.

With youth empowerment at the forefront of its community goals, GTA created the Youth Leader program in 2019 as a platform for our youth to inspire others, make meaningful connections with their peers, and reinvigorate positive change in the community.

This year, GTA added five categories to the program and will choose one high school student for each of the following:

• Scholar-Athlete: Youth who excel in sports.
• Community Philanthropist: Youth who donate their time, energy, and resources towards philanthropic causes (volunteering and community service).
• Creative Artist: Youth who have a passion for the arts (visual arts, literary arts, and performing arts).
• STEM Achiever: Youth who excel in areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
• Entrepreneurship/Career and Technical Innovator: Youth with technical knowledge and skills to prepare for careers in current and emerging occupations and further education

After receiving 35 applications from a competitive pool of high school students last school year, GTA selected Minami Cramer from Harvest Christian Academy, Jim Pamplona from Simon Sanchez High, Lexis Sablan from Tiyan High, Jenna Treaster from Guam High, and Justine Xu from St. John’s School.

Roland Certeza, President and CEO, says, “Our youth have faced unique challenges during this global pandemic. As we build back a better and stronger community, we remain committed to investing in our youth to embark on and stay on the road to success. The GTA Youth Leader program opens opportunities and empowers our young leaders to thrive and succeed.”

The deadline to apply is Friday, October 8, 2021.

Eligibility:

Applicants for the GTA Youth Leader Program must:

• have a 3.5 cumulative GPA
• excel in academics, create a positive change
• be a Guam resident and enrolled in a local high school for the academic year 2021-2022.

Benefits:

A student who qualifies for the program:

• Enjoys a complimentary GTA mobile phone service and the latest Android or iPhone for one full academic school year.
• Obtains a $2,000 tuition scholarship in a 529 plan account with ASC Trust.
• Receives up to 160,000 air mileage points for the school year 2021-2022 to compete in approved competitions in the arts, sports, or academics.

Requirements:

• Applicants are required to fill out an online GTA Youth Leader form (www.gta.net/youthleader2022).
• Submit a 60-second video (Applicant must upload a video onto a YouTube account and provide a shared link). Topic: How do you create positive change in the community?

For more information, contact GTA Public Relations at prsquad@gta.net.