The Teen Program
TITLE DESCRIPTION
Miss America’s Teen is the little sister program of the Miss America Organization. Our delegates are the public face of this organization and are expected to take an active role in their communities and to be a role model for younger generations and their peers. Delegates set an example for those around them by advocating for the importance of education and philanthropy. During her year of service a delegate will have opportunities to earn scholarships, develop public speaking skills, engage in community activism, and network with professionals from around the state and the nation. Delegates are expected to maintain a clean and active presence in person and on social media and to conduct themselves with the integrity worthy of a leader in this iconic organization.
SERVICE INITIATIVE
This is a service organization. Delegates are required to choose a Service Initiative which will be the basis of their community involvement during their year as titleholders. Initiatives vary widely and can be an organization, and idea or a movement. Past examples include: “Financial Literacy in Youth”, “The Boys and Girls Club of America”, “Breast Cancer Awareness”, “Putting an End to Bullying”, and “Achieving Success Through Positive Body Image”. It is open-ended and should be chosen based on the delegate’s passions and experience.
THE COMPETITION
Interview (30%) The private interview is eight minutes long and is between the delegate and the panel of judges. During this phase judges are assessing a delegate’s ability to think under pressure, speak eloquently and quickly and the aptitude for the job as a titleholder. This is the first phase of competition to take place. Talent (40%) This is an assessment of the delegate’s dedication to her preferred art. While the most traditional talents are singing, dancing, playing an instrument, and dramatic performance, there have been very unique talents to grace the stage in the last few decades, including ventriloquism, painting, photography, composing, trick roping and of course, baton twirling. Red Carpet + On-Stage Interview (20%) On-stage question is worth 20% of the score and is important to the judges in determining how well a delegate can respond under the pressure of an audience or the media. These questions range in their topic from current events to the job of a titleholder. Miss America is a public figure and keeping composure during stressful or awkward situations is an essential part of the job. Lifestyle + Fitness (10%) This phase of competition is designed to see how well the contestant maintains a lifestyle of good physical health and whether or not she has the sense of confidence and self-assurance needed to be a titleholder. This phase is performed in active-wear, not swimsuits, and accounts for 10% of the score.
*Competition breakdown is subject to change as new guidelines are provided by the Miss America’s Teen Organization
TIME COMMITMENT
Local Candidates Each local competition will have its own guidelines for rehearsal attendance and appearance requirements. Reach out to the local leadership for more details.
Local Delegates Participation in the Miss New York’s Teen Workshop in Sugar Loaf, NY on March 11-12, 2023 is mandatory, as is participation in the entirety of State Weekend from June 3-4 2023.
Miss New York’s Teen The role of Miss New York’s Teen is a commission-based part time service experience. Your year can be as active as you can reasonable muster, however there are a number of required appearances to which Miss New York is committed to attend. This list of required appearances will be shared with Local Delegates at the workshop prior to the state competition.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Local Candidates Candidates must first pay the once-per-year $35* registration fee on the Miss America website. To run in a local competition, you simply need to register for that local.
Local Delegates Local delegates must register for or update their spotfund accounts to the state forum. While fundraising is not required it is strongly encouraged and scholarships are available for the top fundraisers. Delegates may have sponsorships from their local program for travel, lodging, and wardrobe but should be prepared to pay these costs if their local does not have sponsorships for these items.
Miss New York’s Teen Much of Miss New York’s Teen’s travel, lodging, and wardrobe is sponsored. Financial commitments for Miss New York’s Teen will be discussed with local delegates prior to the State competition.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE 2023 SEASON
If all of the following are true, then an individual is eligible to compete as an Teen in a local competition:
- Age – Must be no less than thirteen (13) years old and no older than eighteen (18) years old this year. (born in or between 2005 and 2010). If you are or will be 18 years old this year, you can choose to compete in the ‘Teen’ or ‘Miss’ age division.
- Residency based on
- Home Address
- Local Competitions: Must be a legal resident in a qualifying county (varies by local competition) for no less than 30 consecutive days prior to the local competition.
- Open Program: Must be a legal resident in the State of New York for no less than 90 consecutive days prior to the State Competition
- Student Status
- Local Competitions: Registered for classes with full-time status at an accredited institution in a qualifying county (varies by local competition) prior to the local competition. Classes must be attended in person*
- Open Program: Registered for classes with full-time status at an accredited institution in New York State prior to the State competition. Classes must be attended in person*
- Home Address
- Must be female
- Must be a United States Citizen
Eligibility requirements are subject to change as new guidelines are provided by the Miss America’s Teen Organization
