Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA)
The Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) program has honored exceptional leaders between the ages of 18 and 40 since 1938. Administered by JCI USA, the award recognizes Americans who exemplify excellence across diverse fields—from science and entrepreneurship to military service, philanthropy, and the arts.
This page takes a deep dive into the history and legacy of JCI USA’s longest running program – from its inception by Durward Howes, to this year’s class of honorees.
Origins
The concept for the program was created by Durward Howes, who published an annual volume called “America’s Young Men.” His list, from 1934-1936, were his own selections for the top twelve outstanding young men in the United States. In 1937, the list was cut down to ten, where it has stayed ever since.
From 1935-1939, Durward Howes also published three reference books titled “American Women: The Official Who’s Who Among the Women of the Nation.” To create this collection of over 6,000 short biographies, over 15,000 questionnaires were sent to women’s organizations, universities, civic organizations, and more.
The Categories
Initially, the criteria for selection used the following categories:
- Personal improvement or accomplishment;
- Financial success or economic innovation;
- Social improvement to major contemporary problems;
- Philanthropic contribution or voluntary service;
- Politics or government service; scientific or technological contributions;
- Legal reform; cultural achievement (literature, history, education, arts);
- Academic leadership or accomplishment;
- Moral and religious leadership;
- Athletic accomplishment;
- Success in the influence of public opinion;
- Any other important contribution to the community, state, or nation.
Currently, winners are selected on their achievement or contribution in at least three of the following areas:
- Business, economic and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment
- Political, legal and/or government affairs
- Academic leadership and/or accomplishment
- Cultural achievement
- Moral and/or environmental leadership
- Contribution to children, world peace and/or human rights
- Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership
- Scientific and/or technological development
- Personal improvement and/or accomplishment
- Medical innovation
Copies of all entries are sent to screening judges who independently select and rank the twenty semi-finalists. The entries of the semi-finalists are sent to finalist judges who independently narrow the selection to the ten men and women selected as TOYA honorees.
The Trophy
In 1954, recipient Arthur M. Kraft designed the “Silver Hands” trophy that each Honoree receives. The inscription on its base reads:
“The hope of mankind lies in the hands of youth and action.”
Each Honoree has shown a commitment to hope, reminding all Americans that no problem is too difficult when handled with grace, ingenuity, courage, and determination. The trophy is named the ‘JAYSON’, an acronym standing for “Jaycees: Active Youth Serving Our Nation.”
Each one weighs 11.5 lbs and is constructed of a marble base with nickel-plated hands. In addition to the artistically designed trophy, each honoree is presented with a framed certificate for display and a lapel pin that was designed and crafted by Erffmeyer & Sons Company from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The pin features the TOYA emblem surrounded by ten black onyx stones and is similar to the traditional Jaycee national officer pins. Both the certificate and pin is presented to each of the honorees on the day of the public presentation.
Notable Honorees: Class of 1938
The inaugural class of TOYM recipients in 1938, announced in January 1939 by Future Magazine, still ranks as one of the most famous:
Other notable honorees include John F Kennedy (class of 1946) and Elvis Presley (class of 1970). Click the images below to take a closer look!
The 1971 TOYM awards ceremony was held in Elvis’ hometown of Memphis, TN. He viewed the award as his initiation into the mainstream, and as acceptance by his peers for his contributions as a humanitarian and entertainer. The trophy he received became one of his most treasured possessions, which he took with him on the road. The trophy, as well as the tuxedo he wore to the ceremony that night, have been kept on display at Graceland and is seen by thousands of visitors every day. It was the only award Elvis ever accepted in person.
1984: Brown v. United States Jaycees
Up until the 1980s, many organizations like the Jaycees and Rotary Club had exclusive limitations on their membership. Around this time, a grassroots movement beginning in Wisconsin advocated for women to become full members of the US Junior Chamber of Commerce. At the time, women were not allowed to be members, but many were part of a separate organization, the Jaycettes.
When chapters in Minnesota began admitting women, the national organization threatened to revoke their charter. The Minnesota charters responded by filing charges with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, saying the Minnesota Human Rights Act required the local charters to accept women. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court in July 1984, where it was ruled that states could stop private civic groups from discriminating based on sex. The following month, the organization held a national special meeting to amend the bylaws to permit women as regular members.
Following this change, the “Ten Outstanding Young Men” program changed to “Ten Outstanding Young Americans,” as we know it today. In 1986, the first three women were honored:
TOYA Today
The Gala
In recent years, the TOYA honorees are celebrated during JCI USA’s Annual Meeting. This often includes an interactive session where members can get to know the winners and learn from their expertise, followed by a formal gala where the trophies are presented.
Recent Notable Honorees
Class of 2026
This year’s class of TOYA honorees will be celebrated at Annual Meeting, taking place in Virginia Beach, VA on Saturday, September 12th. Click here for more information on the event and how to secure your tickets!
TOYP
Expanding to the international stage, JCI also leads a Ten Outstanding Young Persons program. Since 1983, JCI has honored more than 300 individuals from 57 nations. TOYP utilizes the same categories as TOYA, and honorees are celebrated each year at World Congress. Check out the JCI TOYP page to learn more about the most recent class of honorees!
Full List of Past Honorees
Since 1938, 750+ individuals have received the TOYA honor. Click here to access the full list of past honorees.