Do you have an idea for creating positive change in your school or community?
Do you have an idea for creating positive change in your school or community? Or are you already working on a project for good and engaging others to make a difference?
That’s civic leadership: identifying a challenge in your community and working with others to create solutions, inspire action, and make a positive difference.
We're calling on everyone aged 20 and under living in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, and U.S. territories. Are you leading a project that’s making a difference? Are you part of a youth-led organization that helps people get involved in their communities? Or do you have an idea to change the world that you’d love to put into action?
If your answer is YES to any of these questions, apply to the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership! This is your chance to win seed funding, connect with other young changemakers, and attend an unforgettable in-person convening.
Timeline
Prize Package
Prize Package
- All Eligible Participants Will Receive:
⦿ Multiple pathways to funding, with opportunities for early applicants as well as finalists and Grand Prize winners.
⦿ Peer feedback via the Challenge online platform, including the opportunity to connect with other Challenge applicants and review applications from peers.
⦿ Access to on-demand trainings to support your changemaking journey, plus live support sessions and office hours.
⦿ The opportunity to become a certified Ashoka Youth Venturer, whether or not they are selected as a winner of the Challenge. If you've taken action on an idea that creates positive change in your school or community, you may be eligible to earn a Youth Venture Certificate from Ashoka, a global leader in youth social entrepreneurship. If you’re not quite ready to be certified yet, Ashoka will work with you to meet the certification criteria. Along the way, you'll gain access to tools, resources, and a growing community of young changemakers who are leading change together.
- Early Application Deadline | Seed Grants
Apply early for the opportunity to receive seed funding to jumpstart your civic leadership journey.
Eligible applicants who submit by the Early Application Deadline may be selected to receive a Seed Grant:
‣ United States: Up to 600 applicants who apply by November 17 will be eligible to receive a $100 USD Civic Seed Grant.
‣ Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa: 25 eligible applicants from each country who apply by October 10 will receive a $50 USD Civic Seed Grant.
These grants are designed to help young changemakers take the next step in bringing their ideas to life while continuing through the Challenge.
- Finalist Awards
Following the review process, finalists will receive funding to grow their impact.
United States
- 12 Winners will receive $500 USD Civic Promise Award
- 10 Finalists will each receive $1,000 USD Civic Impact Award
- 2 Grand Prize Winners will each receive $10,000 USD Civic Leadership Award
- Anyone receiving a grant $500 or above will be considered for a spot at an in-person convening during the week of July 12, where they will connect, build skills, and celebrate their work alongside fellow young civic leaders. A total of 10 Challenge Winners will be invited to attend the in-person convening.*
*Ashoka will cover eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals during the convening. Chaperone travel will also be provided for eligible participants under 18, in accordance with the Challenge Rules.
Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa
Distributed equally among the three countries, a total of 66 winners will be selected:
‣ 30 Winners will each receive $250 USD Civic Promise Award
‣ 30 Finalists will each receive $1,000 USD Civic Impact Award
‣ 6 Grand Prize Winners will each receive $5,000 USD Civic Leadership Award
Anyone receiving a grant $250 or above will be considered for a spot at an in-person convening during the week of July 26, 2027, where they will connect, build skills, and celebrate their work alongside fellow young civic leaders. A total of 30 Challenge Winners will be invited to attend the in-person convening in Kenya.*
*Ashoka will cover eligible travel and participation costs, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and meals during the convening. Chaperone travel will also be provided for eligible participants under 18, in accordance with the Challenge Rules.
Eligibility Criteria
Click here to read this challenge's full Terms & Conditions.
Participant Age
Participants must be individuals aged 20 or younger by the end of the entry period (January 31, 2027).
Please note: Applicants based in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa who are 17 years old or younger must have an adult support with completing their application. In the United States, applicants who are 12 years old or younger must have an adult support with completing their application.
Residency
Participants must be located in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and/or the United States and U.S. Territories.
Language
Applications must be submitted in English.
Youth-Led Project
The submitted project must be youth-led, with the primary project lead under 20 years of age.
Exclusions
Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka, along with their children and grandchildren, are not eligible to apply.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation Criteria
- Dream
Your initiative addresses a meaningful challenge or opportunity and presents a clear vision for positive change. The idea is rooted in a personal insight, experience or an “aha” moment that inspired action. The initiative showcases a strong understanding of the issue, why it matters, and the change you seek to create.
- Team
The initiative mobilizes others around a shared purpose. It brings people together who help move the work forward. It inspires and enables others to contribute, collaborate, lead, and become part of your solution.
- Creativity
The initiative introduced a new idea, applies a fresh perspective, or puts a unique twist on an existing challenge or solution. Creativity can be reflected in the idea itself, how it’s delivered, how people are engaged, or how resources are used. The initiative shows evidence of willingness to learn, experiment, adapt, and improve over time.
- Changed World
This criterion is written with two tracks in mind, one for emerging and new ideas, and the other for existing projects.
New Idea: We want to see ideas that have the power to make a positive difference. Whether an idea is just beginning or already gaining traction to making an impact, it demonstrates commitment to turning the idea into action.
Existing Project: The initiative demonstrates progress toward creating lasting positive change and shows evidence that its impact can continue, deepen, or grow over time.
Resources and Support
We want to make sure you have everything you need to apply, and we’re here to help!
Register for an information session, live support session, or office hour to learn more about the Challenge, receive application guidance, and get real-time support from staff members. Information session recordings will be added to this page after each session and can be accessed as an ongoing resource.
Info Sessions
Join us to learn more about the program, hear what makes a great application, and ask any questions you might have!
Dates (United States)
- Sunday, September 13, 2026 (4pm EST): Register here
- Monday, October 5, 2026 (3pm EST): Register here
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (4pm EST: Register here
- Thursday, December 17, 2026 (4pm EST): Register here
Dates (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa)
- Sunday, September 13, 2026 (4pm EAT): Register here
- Monday, October 5, 2026 (3pm EAT): Register here
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (4pm EAT: Register here
- Thursday, December 17, 2026 (4pm EAT): Register here
Application Assistance Sessions (Office Hours)
Want more personalized feedback on your application? Join us anytime during the two-hour session for direct feedback from our team!
Dates (United States):
- Wednesday, September 27, 2023 (7-9pm ET / 4-6pm PT): Register here
- Wednesday, November 1, 2023 (7-9pm ET / 4-6pm PT): Register here
Reviewers to the Rescue Sessions
Last-minute questions? Get help right before the deadlines!
Dates:
- Early Entry Deadline! Friday, October 9, 2026: Register here [Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa Only]
- Early Entry Deadline! Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (7-9pm EST): Register here [US Only]
- Final Deadline! Thursday, January 31, 2027 (6pm-11:59pm EST / 6pm - 11:59pm EAT): Register here
Want inspiration? Check out our blog featuring stories of young changemakers here, or watch videos of young changemakers from all over the world in this YouTube playlist!
FAQs – Find answers to common questions about the challenge, application process, eligibility, timeline, and awards.
For any questions or support on the Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership, reach out to us via email [email protected] or message us on Instagram @ashokachangemakers. Young people aged 13 and older in the US can also text us at (571) 622-1066 for support!
