Paterson teen named Boys & Girls Clubs NJ Youth of the Year

Jessica Navarro Davalos of Paterson was recently named the 2025 New Jersey Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She was chosen from among 16 other youths.

The Youth of the Year title is bestowed on a young person in recognition of their leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle. 

As the 2025 New Jersey Youth of the Year, Navarro Davalos will serve as an ambassador and will receive a $12,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She will go on to vie for the regional Youth of the Year and then possibly the national title. 

Navarro Davalos has been involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic for four years. Her involvement began in middle school, when she participated in the club’s after-school program, which had a lasting impact. The club’s focus on academics inspired her passion for educational equity, ultimately leading her to create her nonprofit, STARSNJ, which offers free academic tutoring and resources through virtual sessions.

After the pandemic, Navarro Davalos returned to her home club in high school as a Bank of America student leader intern. She became involved with the club’s summer camp and resource development team, and joined the club’s aquatics program. 

Navarro Davalos is a senior at Eastern Christian High and will be attending Northeastern University in Boston in the fall, majoring in politics and business administration. She was awarded the Ujima Global Leaders Award based on her interest and goals via community service involvement, experiential opportunities, research, and experiences. Her career aspiration is to be a lawyer and a congresswoman.

On June 17, Navarro Davalos will compete against other state Youth of the Year winners for the Northeast regional title. The regional Youth of the Year winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 college scholarship. The five finalists along with the National Military Youth of the Year, will advance to the National Youth of the Year event in September 2025 to vie for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional scholarship of $50,000 and a new Toyota Corolla.