Planet Fitness Awards $250,000 In Scholarships to 50 Teens in Support of Its Judgement Free Generation® Initiative
Esther A. from Greater Houston Mission Bend Boys and Girls Club receives one of 50 national scholarships
Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, recently awarded Esther A. from Houston, TX with its annual Judgement Free Generation® scholarship, which awards teens for their unwavering commitment to fostering inclusion, acceptance and kindness in their communities.
Esther A’s winning submission focuses on the critical issue of bullying and the necessary steps to combat this ongoing issue. Her message emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment and empowering peers to stand up against bullying, showcasing her commitment to making a positive change in her community.
“I’m committed to spreading kindness and ending bullying because I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, loved, and appreciated for who they are,” shared Esther A. “I’m calling on you to be a bystander, not an upstander. If you see someone getting mistreated, have the courage to speak up and defend them. Compliment others, not just for their appearances, but their character strengths.”
“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.”
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.
“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.
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.