In 1994, Dr. George Storms, community leader, Edna Spencer, Previous Director of Diversity & Affirmative Action, Gordon Hargrove, previous Friendly House Executive Director, and Dorothy Hargrove, previous School Committee Member sought to initiate this city’s youth event in celebration of the legacy and commitment of Dr. King Jr. to improving the lives of young people through education.
We will celebrate our 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast on Saturday, January 17th, 2026 at 9a.m. The snow date is Saturday January 24th, 2026 at 5p.m. The event will be held at the Multipurpose Gym in the Wellness Center at Worcester State University.
The program includes performances, noted distinctions and awards to our community and youth, university scholarships, and essay/poetry contest.
The MLK Jr. Youth Breakfast Poetry Contest is open to 7th – 12th graders.
Poems must be based on and address the theme.
Voices of the Future: Bold Roots, Brave Leaders This year’s theme for the MLK poetry contest is: “Voices of the Future: Bold Roots, Brave Leaders.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was not only a spiritual icon of his day but fought for equality. His fearless resistance to injustice, and his vision for an inclusive society inspires modern activists and leaders today. Acknowledging Dr. King’s values of nonviolence and equality, how will you share your voice to continue his dream and fight for justice?
To be considered for the poetry contest, please submit your entry in the Online Poetry Contest Form or send a completed Contest Entry Form (PDF) and your poem via email to dhargrove072@gmail.com and tnguyen89@worcester.edu
Online Poetry Contest Form
Contest Entry Form PDF
Community Service Award The Community Service Award is given to a youth, twenty years of age or younger, whom exemplifies the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through distinguished community service and academic achievement. The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Community Service Award.
Please submit your nomination form via the Online Community Service Award Nomination Form or email a completed Community Service Award Nomination Form (PDF) to tnguyen89@worcester.edu
Online Community Service Award Nomination Form
Community Service Award Nomination Form PDF
Youth Service Award Each year the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast recognizes one individual who has demonstrated exceptional service to our cities’ youth with our “Youth Service Award.” This year, the Worcester State University Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Breakfast committee is seeking your assistance in identifying community leaders who has impacted our youth and who personifies Dr. King’s legacy of service, volunteerism and dedication, who might be considered for the 2026 Youth Service Award.
Please submit your nomination form via the Online Youth Service Award Nomination Form or email a completed Youth Service Award Nomination Form (PDF) to tnguyen89@worcester.edu
Online Youth Service Award Nomination Form
Youth Service Award Nomination Form PDF
31st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2025)
30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2024)
29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2023)
28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2022)
