Santa Ana, Ca. (August 14, 2024) – Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, announced it has awarded three local students, Maimoona A., Brenda D., and Laura K., its annual Judgement Free Generation® scholarship, which awards teens for their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusion, acceptance and kindness in their communities.
Scholarships were awarded to 50 members of Boys & Girls Clubs across the U.S., in the amount of $5,000 per recipient, with more than half (52 percent) representing first-generation college students. To celebrate, the Planet Fitness located at 1760 E Edinger Ave. will be hosting an event alongside the Boys & Girls Club of Orange Central Coast to present the students with their checks, distribute swag bags and commemorate these teens’ accomplishments.
Planet Fitness, a long-standing partner to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, has awarded $250,000 in scholarships this year. Since 2017, Planet Fitness has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to 280 teens across the country. Unlike most scholarships that recognize academic or athletic achievement, the Judgement Free Generation® scholarship program was created to award the many high school teens whose words and actions consistently champion kindness, acceptance and inclusion, attributes that Planet Fitness and Boys & Girls Clubs of America mutually support and celebrate. Through a multi-tiered review process, scholarship recipients were selected based on multiple criteria including a personal essay, staff recommendation and video submission. Each piece of the submission helped showcase how participants actively advocate for kindness and acceptance through the demonstration of Judgement Free values.
During opening remarks at the Summit for America’s Youth this month, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth advocacy event in Washington, D.C., Planet Fitness held an on-stage celebration moment to congratulate the 2024 scholarship winners on their accomplishments. Teens also received customized swag and a celebratory video message featuring celebrities, such as Actress Gail Bean, Planet Fitness team members, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America staff.
Maimoona A.’s winning submission showcased the importance of empathy, “Imagine a world where fear does not prevent us from being our actual selves, and differences are celebrated… It all begins with us, because when we shift the narrative from just judgement to empathy, we are not only stopping bullying, but also leaving a legacy of love and acceptance.”
Brenda D.’s winning submission dove into the Judgement Free Generation narrative outlining, “I want to leave behind a great community for present and future generations where everyone can live a judgement free life, can focus on themselves and their goals, and work together as a united community to overall succeed in life.”
Laura K.’s winning submission highlighted the importance of providing safe and comfortable spaces for her peers, “I constantly work with others to ensure nobody else will feel the way that I used to, whether it is through creating safe spaces and tutoring to having personal discussions with my peers.”
“Our ongoing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America is just one of the ways we support younger generations and their dedication to promoting kindness and belonging,” said McCall Gosselin, Planet Fitness’ Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. “As Home of the Judgement Free Zone®, we are proud to continue uplifting teens who are making a positive impact in our world.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Planet Fitness to empower these young changemakers who are demonstrating
kindness in their communities,” said Chad Hartman, national vice president of corporate partnerships and
engagement at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “This support will not only catalyze their continued impact as they embark on the next chapter but will also inspire a new generation of youth to create positive change.”
Since joining forces in 2016, together with its franchisees, members and partners, Planet Fitness has donated more than $9.5 million to support pro-kindness initiatives. The Company has pioneered the funding for unique social-emotional skills development programs for professionals of Boys & Girls Clubs of America under this initiative. These programs are grounded in a trauma-informed methodology recognizing the effects of traumatic experiences on young people while offering avenues for personal growth and development. The Company has also participated in volunteering activities and has established Mini Judgement Free Zones® in select Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation.
Learn more about Planet Fitness’ efforts to enhance the communities where people live, work and workout through PF Purpose.
About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of June 30, 2024, Planet Fitness had approximately 19.7 million members and 2,617 stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and X.
