The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award
This grant recognizes and supports young leaders aged 18 to 30 who are using technology to effectively address extreme poverty and advance global development goals.
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award is a collaborative initiative between Cisco and Global Citizen, aimed at celebrating exceptional young leaders who utilize technology to combat extreme poverty. This award recognizes an individual between the ages of 18 and 30 who has demonstrated impactful work aligned with the United Nationsโ Global Goals. The award specifically honors those integrating technology and innovation to advance global development objectives in meaningful, measurable ways. The prize includes an unrestricted $250,000 award granted to the organization the individual represents. The winner will be announced during Global Citizen NOW in May 2026 in New York City. Applicants must be significantly involved with a legal entity such as a nonprofit, for-profit business, B-corp, or social enterprise. The work must reflect a 3โ5 year track record of measurable impact, with plans to extend this work in the future. Applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership, global citizenship values, and use of IT-based solutions that increase efficiency, broaden reach, and amplify social outcomes. The judging process involves evaluations by representatives from Global Citizen, Cisco, and independent international development experts. Candidates will be evaluated on five key criteria: measurable impact, a compelling future vision, inspirational leadership, embodiment of global citizenship, and innovation in technology. Up to five finalists will be selected by early February 2026 and must provide three letters of recommendation from a colleague, funder/partner, and a person directly impacted by their work. Additional documentation such as proof of organizational registration may also be requested. The application includes four main components: personal and organizational details including a scanned passport copy; a 1โ2 minute video pitch; short answer responses aligned with the judging criteria; and supporting organizational documentation. All applications must be submitted in English and are final upon submission. The application period opens on November 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM PT and closes on December 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM PT. The prize funds may be used without restriction, although the winner must provide quarterly organizational progress updates for three years. The award is open globally, excluding countries sanctioned by U.S. authorities, and applicants must be capable of submitting their materials, including the required video, by the deadline. For further questions not addressed in the provided materials, applicants may contact the award administrators directly by email.
Award Range
$250,000 - $250,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
1
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
$250,000 prize awarded to the organization nominated by the individual. Unrestricted use, with quarterly updates required for 3 years.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Open to individuals aged 18โ30 who are affiliated with a registered legal entity (nonprofit, for-profit, B-corp, social enterprise, etc.) with a demonstrated impact over the past 3โ5 years. U.S.-based applicants are eligible; entities in OFAC-sanctioned regions are not. Applications must include a video pitch and supporting documentation. Individuals must provide three letters of endorsement if selected as finalists.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Clearly demonstrate measurable impact over 3โ5 years and articulate how the prize will advance your work. Ensure video pitch is persuasive and all required documents are submitted by the deadline.
Application Opens
November 5, 2025
Application Closes
December 17, 2025
Grantor
Cisco and Global Citizen
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