Time for Change Youth Challenge

The Time for Change Youth Challenge is an initiative designed to empower young people to address problems they encounter in their classrooms, communities, and the world at large. Sponsored by Ashoka Changemakers, this challenge invites K-12 students to share their innovative ideas for change. Participants can either propose new ideas or build upon existing projects. The challenge aims to inspire youth to take action and provides financial support to help them realize their visions. The application process is open until November 13, 2024, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 awarded to winners. The primary purpose of the Time for Change Youth Challenge is to encourage youth leadership and creativity in problem-solving. The challenge seeks to identify and support youth-led initiatives that can create a positive impact in various settings. By participating, students not only have the opportunity to win funding but also to engage with a community of changemakers who are similarly motivated to make a difference. Funding through the Time for Change Youth Challenge is allocated to support youth-led projects. The challenge awards 15 grants of $1,000 each to students in different grade categories: K-5th grade, 6th-7th grade, and 8th-12th grade. Additionally, two Grand Prize winners will receive $5,000 grants to further develop their ideas. The funds can be used to implement projects that address specific issues identified by the applicants. To be eligible for the challenge, applicants must be enrolled in a Title I-eligible, Tribal, or Military Base school. The challenge is open to individuals and teams of youth in grades K-12 who reside in the United States or its territories, including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is important to note that applications must be youth-led, and if a classroom is applying, this must be indicated. Previous winners of the challenge are not eligible to apply again, although finalists from the previous year can participate. The application process requires submissions to be made in English, and adult allies can assist K-8 students in applying through their accounts. Each applicant is limited to one initiative, but adults can submit multiple applications on behalf of different students. The evaluation criteria focus on the applicant's identity as a changemaker, creativity in addressing problems, readiness to take action, and connection to the identified issue. The timeline for the Time for Change Youth Challenge includes a submission deadline of November 13, 2024. Participants are encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance of this date to ensure they meet all requirements. For further information, interested individuals can visit the Ashoka Changemakers website or contact the challenge organizers via email. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for young people to gain recognition and support for their innovative ideas aimed at creating meaningful change.