Company continues annual scholarships for
America's youth who give back to local communities and
promote kindness and belonging
HAMPTON, N.H.,
Aug. 1,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, one of the
largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness
centers with more members than any other fitness brand, today
announced the recipients of 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.
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.
Jayla B., a winner from San Pedro,
Calif., shared that she spreads Judgement Free values by
focusing on empathy. She explained, "Everyone has faced their own
unique challenges and vulnerabilities, and it's essential to create
a culture of empathy and inclusion to uplift them. By promoting
kindness and understanding, we could create a world where everybody
feels valued and supported, regardless of their circumstances.
Let's all work together to create an environment where we support
each other, to build a brighter future for all."
"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 March 31,
2024, Planet Fitness had approximately 19.6 million members
and 2,599 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.
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SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.