Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is marking its 25th anniversary in 2025, continuing its mission to honor young people who are making a significant positive impact on their communities, humanity, and the environment. Established in 2001 by acclaimed author T. A. Barron, the prestigious award recognizes 25 exceptional young leaders, ages 8–18, who have gone above and beyond to create meaningful change.

Opening Doors to the Next Generation of Heroes

Applications for the 2025 Gloria Barron Prize opened in January, giving younge changemakers the opportunity to be part of this prestigious tradition. Each year, the Barron Prize highlights the incredible potential and drive of young people, celebrating their passion for service and their dedication to building a better world.

Applications are due April 15th, and the winners will be announced in September. Fifteen top winners will be selected to receive $10,000 to support their service work or higher education. 

A Full Circle of Leadership: Barron Prize Alumni as Judges

Several of the current judges are previous Barron Prize winners themselves. These alumni, who have grown into inspiring leaders, now serve on the selection panel, reviewing applications from young people who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in service projects.

These judges are uniquely equipped to recognize the qualities that define a Barron Prize winner, having walked that path themselves. They are looking for young applicants who have not only shown initiative but have created lasting, positive change through their passion projects.

Making a Difference at Any Age

Below is just one of the many remarkable Baron Prize winners from Birmingham who has made an impact in our communities and beyond. 

Ethan Hill age 11 in 2022 of Birmingham, Alabama

Ethan D. Hill created Ethan’s Heart Bags4Blessings to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Birmingham. Since 2017, he and his team have packed and distributed almost 2,000 care bags, each of which includes essential survival items like a sleeping bag, cold weather clothing, first aid supplies, food, and hygiene products. 

Over time, he’s built relationships with those he serves, so most days when he’s headed home from school, Ethan and his parents drive around homeless camps to check on the 300 people who live there. They even have an emergency supply of essentials in their car. Ethan partners with local police, who carry his duffel bags of supplies in patrol cars to dangerous areas, as well as corporate sponsors and individual donors. You can find more information on his website.

Apply for the Barron Prize

As the Gloria Barron Prize celebrates its 25th anniversary, it remains committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders. The Barron Prize offers not just financial support, but a lasting network of mentors, peers, and changemakers who will continue to inspire one another for years to come.

If you know a young hero who is making a difference, or if you are a young person with a passion for service, now is the time to apply. The Barron Prize is looking for young leaders who are ready to take their projects to the next level and make a lasting impact on the world.

For more information and to apply, visit barronprize.org