Nominations Now Open: 2025 21 Under 21 Youth Awards, Presented by RBC
Nominations are now open for Ottawa’s premier youth awards — celebrating 28 years of impact.
After a phenomenal debut under its refreshed identity, 21 Under 21, Youth Ottawa is proud to officially launch the 2025 edition of the Youth Awards Gala — presented once again by our title sponsor, RBC.
Formerly known as the Spirit of the Capital Awards, this marks the 28th year of celebrating outstanding youth in our city. Last year’s inaugural gala under the 21 Under 21 brand raised the bar, spotlighting some of the most compassionate, creative, and change-making young leaders across Ottawa. This year, we’re building on that momentum.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 21 Under 21 Youth Awards. We’re calling on educators, mentors, community leaders, and peers to help us recognize and elevate the next generation of city builders.
What to Expect this Year
Now in its 28th year, Youth Ottawa’s annual youth awards event continues to evolve — and following the incredible success of last year’s rebrand, we are proud to return with the 21 Under 21 Youth Awards Gala, presented by RBC.
Launched in 2024 as a refreshed version of the long-running Spirit of the Capital Awards, 21 Under 21 was created to better reflect the energy, inclusivity, and transformative potential of youth today. This new format shines a spotlight on 21 exceptional young individuals under the age of 21, who can be nominated by someone inspired by their journey — or step forward to nominate themselves.
At its core, the 21 Under 21 Youth Awards Gala remains rooted in the spirit of honouring local youth who have made meaningful contributions to their communities — whether locally or globally. These are young people who embody initiative, compassion, courage, and drive. They are catalysts for change and a source of inspiration for others.
To reflect our commitment to equity and inclusion, we’ve removed rigid award categories to better capture the full range of youth achievement — free from boxes and barriers. Every young person’s path is unique, and our goal is to celebrate that full spectrum of impact, from personal growth to global change.
In its second year under the 21 Under 21 banner, this gala stands as a powerful symbol of Youth Ottawa’s values — championing youth voice, action, and recognition that transcends labels. We believe every story matters, and that by sharing them, we can spark even more momentum toward a brighter future.
Mark your calendars!
Following last year’s unforgettable celebration, this year’s gala promises an even more elevated, engaging, and inspiring experience. Guests will enjoy a lively mocktail hour, a plated dinner designed to foster connection, and an evening filled with powerful moments of recognition.
We’re enhancing the experience with youth-led performances, interactive photo installations, and multimedia displays that showcase the impactful work and personal stories of our 21 honourees. This is your chance to truly get to know the youth who are shaping our city — and the world.
Ticket registration is now open. Follow us on social media and stay tuned for your chance to reserve a seat at one of Ottawa’s most meaningful celebrations of youth leadership and community impact.
Nominations Opening June 9th, 2025!
We invite nominations from across all fields and backgrounds to recognize the diverse, inspiring, and often unsung contributions of young leaders under the age of 21. Whether they’ve sparked change, uplifted others, or embodied resilience and leadership in their own unique way, we want to hear their story.
If you are — or know — a young person who has made a meaningful impact, now is the time to shine a spotlight on their efforts.
Nominations for the 2025 21 Under 21 Youth Awards open on June 9th.
To apply or learn more, please visit our events page.
Join us in honouring the voices, vision, and values of the next generation of change-makers.