If you look around you, you’ll notice kids making an extraordinary impact in their communities, and in the world as a whole, on a daily basis. From starting groundbreaking initiatives to help with environmental causes, to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community and bringing awareness to social justice issues, kids are truly changing the world and it’s time to honor that! The search is officially on as TIME and Nickelodeon recently announced they have begun a nationwide search for the second annual Kid of the Year TV special, set to air in early 2022.
Coming on the heels of its incredibly successful TV debut last December, TIME, TIME For Kids and Nickelodeon are looking for the next group of young trailblazers who are making revolutionary advances in the realms of science, education, social justice and beyond. The special, which will be executive produced by Trevor Noah, who hosted last year’s multiplatform event, will celebrate five, awe-inspiring kids, with one ultimately being recognized with the prestigious title of being the TIME Kid of the Year. The honoree will grace the cover of TIME with additional coverage in TIME For Kids.
“Now through Aug. 31, parents, teachers and friends can nominate a kid (aged 8-16) who is creating, standing up and helping to make the world a better place. Each of the finalists will receive funds to further their respective causes and serve as a TIME For Kids Kid Reporter, with exclusive access to a Nickelodeon event. For official submission rules and additional information about the initiative, visit NickKidoftheYear.com” (source: press release).
After over 5,000 submissions in for last year’s Kid of the Year event, the world was introduced to TIME’s first ever Kid of the Year, the admirable Gitanjali Rao. At only 15-years-old, Rao has touched the lives of many by using technology to address issues including contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying. The finalists from last year’s initiative included “Rebekah Bruesehoff, a transgender activist working with LGBTQ youth, Hannah Jackson, a criminal justice reform advocate, Jordan Reeves, an advocate for those with physical disabilities, and Elijah Lee, a child abuse and social justice activist” (source: press release).
“The Kid of the Year recognition has helped me amplify my voice and gave me a global platform to share the need for innovation,” says Rao. “The entire process of selecting the honorees highlighted optimism, kindness, positivity, and shared the work of our generation. Each of us has different talents and we try to light up the community with whatever we can, and Kid of the Year showcases that talent and our ability to make a difference no matter how small it is” (source: press release).
The Kid of the Year special truly had a wondrous influence on everyone watching. In fact, it was even nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards in the categories of Outstanding Daytime Non-Fiction Special and Outstanding Daytime Promotional Announcement. The upcoming Kid of the Year special, produced by TIME Studios, is a phenomenal initiative for families to watch together as it shows kids that it’s never too early to motivate change, take action and start a movement.
Viewers have a lot to look forward to with this remarkable special celebrating spectacular kids who are changing the game. Last year, renowned, fan-favorite celebrities, sports stars and social media sensations joined in on the excitement including Kristen Bell, Simone Biles, Dixie D’Amelio, Billie Eilish, Rob Gronkowski, Neil Patrick Harris, Ken Jeong, Angelina Jolie and Chloe Kim. Needless to say, a lot of inspiration is in store in the upcoming Kid of the Year TV special.
Nickelodeon and TIME’s Kid of the Year honor is an absolutely sensational way to recognize the great strides of kids and how they are leading the way and serving as great role models for future generations.
Do you know an awesome kid who’s spearheading innovation and helping others in their community? Nominate them at NickKidoftheYear.com and stay tuned here at Alexisjoyvipaccess.com for more details on the marvelous Kid of the Year special!
Comment below and tell me or tweet me at @alexisjoyvipacc, how do YOU make a difference in the world around you?
[…] more about the Nickelodeon and TIME Kid of the Year special here and don’t forget to get your submissions in before the deadline on August […]