Since 2017, Planet Fitness has awarded $1.65M to teens who have positively impacted their local communities
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 continuous support of promoting inclusion, acceptance and kindness in their communities. Fifty Boys & Girls Clubs high school seniors across the U.S. were awarded $5,000 each toward furthering their education and will join the “JFG Squad,” Planet Fitness' network of scholarship winners. Half of this year's Judgement Free Generation® scholarship winners (50 percent) represent first-generation college students.
Planet Fitness has awarded more than $1.65 million in scholarships to 330 teens across the country since 2017, contributing $250,000 this year alone. While most traditional scholarships award athletic or academic achievement, the Judgement Free Generation® scholarship program was created to recognize youth who exemplify values of kindness and acceptance and actively promote those principles in their communities. The scholarship recipients were selected from a pool of hundreds of applicants using a multi-tiered review process based on several criteria including a personal essay, staff recommendations and a video submission. The submissions were evaluated by how the participant actively promotes kindness and inclusion by demonstrating Judgement Free™ values.
Read about how three of our inspiring JFG Squad members are making an impact in their local communities and opening the door to a more Judgement Free™ tomorrow:
Aniya A.: Despite facing homelessness at 13, Aniya was provided with a safe space to grow at her local Boys & Girls Club. Now, as a junior staff member and youth development intern, she's committed to giving back to her community because of all that they have given her. She plans to attend East Tennessee State University to study Psychology to continue promoting a judgement free future.
Jack S.: Jack's time at his Boys & Girls Club has come full circle, from growing up in the afterschool program to now being a counselor, he has dedicated his time to community service and helping others. Jack plans to attend Virginia Tech where he will study Finance and continue to encourage others and volunteer locally.
Irina C.: From a young age, Irina was committed to destigmatizing mental health and after losing a friend turned her pain into purpose and co-launched a suicide prevention clothing line called 1 in 5. Alongside her peers, Irina raised $10,000 to support the Wellness Center at her local Boys & Girls Club. In her next chapter she plans to study nutritional sciences at New York University, hoping to educate others on the importance of compassionate support systems.
“Planet Fitness strives to provide an environment where everyone feels like they belong,” said McCall Gosselin, Planet Fitness' Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. “Our commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America and its youth is just one of the ways we focus on supporting younger generations, advancing their wellbeing and empowering them to promote kindness in their communities. We are proud to support these inspiring teens on their academic journeys as they continue to make a positive impact in the world.”
“Each year, we are honored to collaborate with Planet Fitness to make these opportunities possible and to provide scholarships to well-deserving teens who positively contribute to their communities,” said Jim Clark, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We remain committed to empowering America's leaders of tomorrow for years to come and are proud to work alongside Planet Fitness to offer generous scholarships that help teens take the next step in their journey of kindness and inclusion.”
Since partnering in 2016, Planet Fitness-alongside its franchisees, members, and partners-has contributed over $10.5 million to advance youth wellbeing and empower the next generation to create kinder communities through its Judgement Free Generation® initiative. As part of this effort, the Company has led the way in funding innovative social-emotional skill-building programs for Boys & Girls Clubs of America professionals. Rooted in a trauma-informed approach, these programs acknowledge the lasting impact of trauma on youth and provide meaningful pathways for healing, personal growth, and development. Planet Fitness has also established mini-Judgement Free Zones® in select Boys & Girls Clubs and participated in volunteering activities across the country.
Learn more about Planet Fitness' efforts to enhance the communities where people live, work and workout through PF Purpose.
About Planet FitnessFounded 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, 2025, Planet Fitness had approximately 20.6 million members and 2,741 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. 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 clubs are owned and operated by independent business men and women.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of AmericaFor 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 citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 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 LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.
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