Shaquille O’Neal has once again invested in Atlanta’s youth.

In 2021, the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation opened the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County, which included a learning center, computer lab, arts & crafts center, music studio, game room, multipurpose room, and gym, according to its website. Prior to its opening, the foundation invested over $1 million to support renovations with the support of additional partners.

According to Empower Atlanta Magazine, staff acknowledged that the club has been helpful to families by providing academic support, mentorship, and after-school programming.

“The Boys & Girls Club always provided a safe space for me when I was growing up,” O’Neal said in a 2022 news release. “It shaped who I am today, and I’m proud to help create similar pathways to success for the kids of Henry County.”

O’Neal has doubled down on his commitment to the youth at the 2025 Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta Youth of the Year Gala, which recognizes teens who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service and aims to empower their steps, even beyond graduation.

The event, held on Nov. 7 at the Coca-Cola Roxy, featured 16 finalists who, for several months prior, participated in writing workshops, coaching sessions, mock interviews, and community service projects. The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the winner (Zoe B.) and runner-up (Adiya J.), per Empower Atlanta Magazine. The scholarship will support the students in college, training programs, and more.

In addition, the winner and runner-up also received $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The other finalists took home $500 scholarships, in partnership with the David Jernigan Legacy Scholarship Fund.

“Our Clubs are opening doors for young people every day. These students show what’s possible when they have support, structure and people who believe in them,” Libby Saylor Wright, the organization’s president and CEO commented, according to Empower Atlanta Magazine.

The gala also raised more than $1.3 million. The commitment will support 25 Boys & Girls Clubs across nine countries, reports the outlet.