Become a Teen Candidate

About the Competition

The Miss California’s Outstanding Teen (MCOTeen) competition began in June 1999 as California’s Outstanding Teen, the first Outstanding Teen program in the nation. It became the model for the creation of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in 2005. 24 young women have held the title. Through participation in our program, candidates have opportunities to develop their own initiatives that positively impact society, showcase their talent, and earn scholarships. Candidates who participate in Miss California’s Outstanding Teen are very well prepared to enter the Miss California Competition when they are 19 years old. (Three MCOTeen titleholders went on to become Miss California!) Are you about growth in leadership skills, talent, communication skills and educational scholarships? Join us! To become a Miss California’s Outstanding Teen candidate, you may enter and win a local Outstanding Teen competition or win an online Outstanding Teen competition. All of the information you need to get started is right here.

Phases of Competition

The Miss California's Outstanding Teen Competition is composed of four main phases:
 

1. Private Interview

2. Talent

3. Lifestyle & Wellness

4. Evening Gown & Onstage Question

Each candidate must have a social impact initiative that she will advocate during her year of service.

Eligibility Requirements

AGE
 

• Candidate must be at least thirteen (13) years of age on the first day of the State Competition and must not be older than eighteen (18) years of age on December 31st of the year of the State Competition.

RESIDENCY - SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Must fulfill ONE of the following:

• Must reside in the license area of the local competition

• Be successfully enrolled in and physically attending classes on a full-time basis at an accredited public or private school in the license area of the local competition.

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Defined license area info is described on the Local Competitions pages. Competitions described as "open statewide" are available to any eligible candidate in the state of California.

CITIZENSHIP
 

• Must be a citizen of the United States of America

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Too old? Check out our Miss California Program.

Additional Requirements

• Register for participation in the Miss America Organization ($35/year)

• Register to raise funds for the Miss America Foundation (MAF), Miss America’s scholarship foundation

• Meet character criteria set forth by the Miss America Organization.

• Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local competition and the Miss California Organization.