Join the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership if you’re aged 5 to 20 and live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, or U.S. territories. Whether you’re leading a project or part of a youth organization focused on positive change, you can apply for seed funding, network with other changemakers, and participate in an inspiring event. This challenge encourages civic leadership by identifying community issues and inspiring action for solutions.
Application Deadline:
- Final Application Deadline: 31 January 2027 at 11:59 PM ET (Early application deadlines for seed grants have passed).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership—powered by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka—is a global initiative seeking young changemakers who have an idea or existing project to create positive social change in their schools and communities. The challenge provides youth aged 5 to 20 with seed funding, peer feedback, skill-building training, certification as an Ashoka Youth Venturer, and opportunities to win major cash prizes and attend an exclusive in-person convening.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Civic leadership, community development, social entrepreneurship, education, environmental action, public service, and local social impact projects.
Type:
Youth Social Venture Challenge, Seed Grant & Leadership Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 5 and 20 years old by the end of the entry period (January 31, 2027).
- Residency: Must be located in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, or the United States and U.S. Territories.
- Adult Support Requirement: Applicants aged 17 or younger in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa (or aged 12 or younger in the United States) must have an adult support/assist with completing their application.
- Language: Applications must be submitted in English.
- Project Status: Open to both brand-new ideas and existing youth-led projects.
How are Applicants Selected:
Submissions are evaluated against four core criteria:
- Dream: The initiative addresses a meaningful challenge with a clear, personal vision for positive change.
- Team: The initiative mobilizes others around a shared purpose, encouraging collaboration and leadership.
- Creativity: Introduces a fresh perspective, innovative idea, or unique approach to solving the challenge.
- Changed World: Demonstrates commitment to action (for new ideas) or proven progress toward lasting positive impact (for existing projects).
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, and U.S. Territories.
Where will the Program be Taken:
Virtual online platform, culminating in exclusive in-person youth summits (held in July 2027 in the US for US winners, and in Kenya for African winners).
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
- United States Prizes: 12 Civic Promise Awards ($500), 10 Civic Impact Awards ($1,000), and 2 Civic Leadership Grand Prizes ($10,000). (10 Challenge winners invited to the US convening).
- Africa Region Prizes (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa combined): 30 Civic Promise Awards ($250), 30 Civic Impact Awards ($1,000), and 6 Civic Leadership Grand Prizes ($5,000). (30 Challenge winners invited to the Kenya convening).
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Cash Prizes & Seed Funding: Ranging from $250 to $10,000 USD for finalists and winners.
- In-Person Summits: Fully funded travel, accommodation, and meals to attend international changemaker convenings in July 2027 (including chaperone travel for minors).
- Certification: Opportunity to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer with access to global tools and networks.
- Training & Community: Access to live support sessions, office hours, peer feedback networks, and on-demand changemaking resources.
How Long Will it Last:
Multi-month challenge cycle running through the application closure on January 31, 2027, with final winner implementation and summer convenings taking place in July 2027.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official online application portal via the Changemakers Platform.
- Create an account by clicking “Sign In” and access the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership application form.
- Complete your project or idea submission in English (ensuring required adult co-applicants are registered if under the age threshold).
- Submit your completed application prior to the final deadline on 31 January 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.
- For technical or program inquiries, reach out via email to
[email protected]or text(571) 622-1066(US applicants only).
