In 2007 Youth America Grand Prix became the first organization in the 50-year history of Italy's prestigious Spoleto Dance Festival to present performances by dance students. In 2009, YAGP broke the existing Guinness World Record for “Most ballet dancers en pointe” with 221 dancers from 27 countries. In 2010 YAGP introduced the YAGP Job Fair, a special audition series giving YAGP participants and alumni a chance to be seen and hired by the directors of the world's leading dance companies. In 2014 YAGP launched a new dance education initiative: “Dance in Higher Education” - a program that gives dance students and their parents an opportunity to meet with representatives of the country's leading college and university-based dance programs and learn about options in combining academic education with dance training. YAGP is a member of the International Federation of Ballet Competitions (IFBC) and is a partner competition to Moscow International Ballet Competition, Prix de Lausanne, Varna International Ballet Competition, and USA International Ballet Competition. YAGP participants are divided into three age categories: Senior Age Category (15–19 years old), Junior Age Category (12–14 years old), and Pre-Competitive Age Category (9–11 years old). In addition to scholarships, YAGP grants other awards to the most talented participants, such as Dance Europe Award. The most outstanding dancer in the Senior category receives the Grand Prix. An exceptional dancer in the Junior category receives a Youth Grand Prix, and a dancer who shows the most potential in the Pre-Competitive category receives the Hope Award. First, Second, and Third Places are awarded to Men and Women in the Senior, Junior and Pre-Competitive category of soloists. First, Second and Third places are awarded in the Ensembles categories, for large ensembles and for Pas de Deux. To develop respect for artistry among its students, YAGP holds classes and workshops at every competition that are taught by the panel of judges. Each year, more than $500,000 is awarded at YAGP in scholarships to the world's leading dance academies. While some institutions are represented every year, others present scholarships on a rotating basis. The YAGP panel of judges represents schools that issue scholarships to participants. As part of its mission to educate the next generations of dancers and audiences, YAGP uses its New York City  “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” Gala as a venue to introduce exciting new talent to New York audiences and the young YAGP participants from around the world.