The Community Board 11 Education, Culture and New Services Committee on Nov. 6 discussed expanding outreach and clarifying logistics for the Yankees Youth Leadership Award as members urged earlier publicity and wider community engagement.

Chair Alex Ellison, identifying the item as the committee’s next agenda topic, said the board selects five winners who "are honored at Yankee Stadium" and that each recipient receives a $750 stipend. He described the award as intended for young people who either live in the district or perform community service there and said winners go on the field before a game.

Committee members reviewed basic eligibility and application requirements described in the discussion: the award covers young people ages 14 to 20 and committee members said nominees typically must document about 50 hours of leadership or volunteer work. Members also noted that applications historically closed at different dates; one reference in the meeting cited a Feb. 7 deadline while another referenced Feb. 28, and members said deadlines have varied in past years.

Outreach plans emphasized tapping existing neighborhood networks and local institutions. Members offered to circulate a flyer and contact lists to colleges, parent coordinators, civic associations and after-school programs. A gallery commenter urged posting flyers in public libraries and pitching community papers such as the Norwood News and Bronx Voice, and suggested contacting local merchant and block associations to broaden reach.

Committee members recommended simplifying the flyer for printing and social media (Canva was suggested for in‑house edits) and asked staff to check trademark constraints before using the Yankees emblem. Members agreed to circulate a draft flyer by email and to add additional civic contacts to the committee’s distribution list.

The committee clarified nomination sponsorship: the program requires nominees to be selected by nonprofit organizations, which means schools, library programs or established nonprofits would need to sponsor candidates rather than individual family members submitting applications on their own. Members identified possible sponsors including Veronica’s Veronica Arts Media, after-school programs, Project Club Clemente and neighborhood associations such as the Van Ness Neighborhood Alliance and Friends of Pelham Parkway.

No formal motion or vote was taken at the meeting. Members said they would share the flyer and contact lists electronically and follow up with prospective sponsor organizations to increase application numbers ahead of the season.

The meeting concluded without votes; the chair moved to adjourn at 7:35 p.m.