Shaquille O’Neal awarded $20,000 in scholarships at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s Youth of the Year Gala, supporting teens recognized for academic achievement, leadership and service during the organization’s signature annual event. The NBA Hall of Famer presented $10,000 each to the winner and runner-up through The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and spent time backstage meeting the 16 finalists who took part in this year’s program.
The gala, held Nov. 7 at the Coca-Cola Roxy, marked the culmination of months of work for the participating teens, who prepare speeches, complete personal essays and interview with community leaders as part of the Youth of the Year process. Staff members said the program is designed to help young people build communication skills, confidence and a sense of direction as they move toward graduation and postsecondary opportunities.
O’Neal’s philanthropy in Metro Atlanta also includes a major financial investment in the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County, which opened after a $1.1 million renovation of the former Henry County Middle School. Backed by a $1 million commitment from The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and additional support from community partners, the Club now serves more than 400 registered members and offers a learning center, technology lab, arts and music spaces, a game room and a gym. Staff members say the site has become a critical resource for families, providing daily academic support, mentorship and after-school programming in a county that had long identified the need for expanded youth services.
“This organization changed my life,” O’Neal told the audience. “When I was growing up, the Club gave me a safe place to go, and it connected me with people who believed in me.”
His foundation continues that work, funding youth programs in multiple states and supporting holiday events, community partnerships and emergency assistance initiatives. Leaders within the Clubs say his involvement has helped expand access for young people who need consistent support, structure and resources.
O’Neal’s philanthropy is supported by one of the most wide-ranging business portfolios in professional sports. Since the end of his NBA career, he has built holdings across advertising, entertainment, technology and franchising. Over the years, he has owned or invested in dozens of franchise locations across national brands, including fitness centers, fast-casual restaurants and retail operations. He also founded Big Chicken, a fast-growing restaurant chain expanding across the United States and into entertainment and cruise venues.
O’Neal has taken on advisory and ownership roles with technology and consumer brands and has appeared in national advertising campaigns for insurance companies, apparel lines, athletic brands, consumer goods, home technology and food products. He holds a significant stake in Authentic Brands Group, which manages and develops global brand portfolios, including Reebok. His early investments included companies such as Google and other technology ventures, which he has said shaped his approach to long-term business strategy.
Despite the range of his corporate partnerships and investments, O’Neal has often described his philanthropic work as a core priority. The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation focuses on creating opportunities for youth through scholarships, mentorship programs and partnerships with organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in Schools.
Zoe B. was named 2025 Youth of the Year, with Adiya J. selected as runner-up. In addition to the foundation’s $10,000 scholarships for each teen, both received their traditional awards of $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The remaining finalists earned $500 scholarships supported by the David Jernigan Legacy Scholarship Fund.
The program, which stretches across several months, is part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national leadership initiative. Teens participate in writing workshops, coaching sessions, mock interviews and community service projects before advancing through local and regional rounds. Winners may eventually compete for national recognition and additional scholarships.
The gala raised more than $1.3 million to support the organization’s 25 Clubs across nine counties. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta serves more than 7,000 youth each year, offering tutoring, health and wellness programs, leadership development, arts instruction and workforce readiness support. Many families rely on the Clubs for after-school programming, meals and mentorship.
Libby Saylor Wright, the organization’s president and CEO, said the investment helps address ongoing disparities in access to academic and economic resources across Metro Atlanta.
“Our Clubs are opening doors for young people every day,” Wright said. “These students show what’s possible when they have support, structure and people who believe in them.”
The evening included a performance by the Melvin Miller Trio, an artistic presentation by Club members and remarks by longtime Atlanta journalist Monica Pearson, who served as host.
As the program concluded, staff members said the scholarships provided by O’Neal will help finalists cover college costs, training programs and other postsecondary expenses. For many teens, the recognition marks a milestone in their time at the Club and serves as a steppingstone to future opportunities.
