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Call for Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027 !!!
The Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2027, powered by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and Ashoka, invites young people to develop ideas and projects that create positive change in their schools and communities. The challenge supports youth civic leadership by encouraging participants to identify community problems, work with others, and take action to make a difference.
Young people aged 5 to 20 can apply with a youth-led project or an idea for positive change. Eligible applicants must live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, or U.S. territories. Applications must be submitted in English.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
The challenge offers multiple opportunities for funding, including support for early applicants with new ideas and awards for finalists and grand prize winners. Participants can also receive peer feedback through the online platform, access on-demand training, and join live support sessions and office hours.
Participants may also have the opportunity to become certified Ashoka Youth Venturers. Young people who have already taken action on an idea that creates positive change may qualify for a Youth Venture Certificate. Those who are not yet ready for certification can receive support from Ashoka to work toward meeting the criteria.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their vision, teamwork, creativity, and the potential to create positive change. The challenge aims to help young people develop their ideas, connect with fellow changemakers, and build the skills needed to lead community initiatives.
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
The application deadline is January 31, 2027. Applicants in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa who are 18 or younger must have adult support when completing their applications. In the United States, applicants aged 13 or younger must also have adult support.
This challenge is an opportunity for young changemakers to turn their ideas into action and contribute to positive change in their communities.
Benefits
- Civic Seed Grants: Eligible applicants with new ideas may receive $100 in the United States or $50 in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, subject to country-specific deadlines and eligibility criteria.
- Civic Promise Awards: 12 winners in the United States will receive $500 each. In Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, 30 winners will receive $250 each.
- Civic Impact Awards: 10 finalists in the United States will receive $1,000 each. Across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, 30 finalists will receive $1,000 each.
- Civic Leadership Awards: 2 Grand Prize winners in the United States will receive $10,000 each. Across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, 6 Grand Prize winners will receive $5,000 each.
- In-Person Convening: Selected winners may be invited to attend an in-person convening in July 2027.
- Travel Support: For eligible invited participants, Ashoka will cover approved travel and participation costs, including airfare, accommodation, ground transportation, and meals. Eligible participants under 18 may also receive chaperone travel support.
- Training and Resources: Access on-demand training, live support sessions, and office hours.
- Peer Learning: Receive peer feedback and connect with other young changemakers through the online platform.
- Ashoka Youth Venturer Certification: Opportunity to earn a Youth Venture Certificate, with support to meet the certification criteria.
Eligibilities
- Age: Must be between 5 and 20 years old by January 31, 2027.
- Eligible Countries: Must live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States, or U.S. territories.
- Project: Must submit a youth-led project or idea focused on creating positive change in a school or community.
- Language: Applications must be submitted in English.
- Adult Support: Applicants in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa aged 18 or younger must have adult support to complete the application. In the United States, applicants aged 13 or younger must have adult support.
- Exclusions: Employees of the Andrew Carnegie Foundation or Ashoka, and their children and grandchildren, are not eligible.
Application Process
Applicants are required to complete their application process through the Apply Link given below.
- Visit the Official Website: Visit the official Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership webpage to learn about the challenge.
- Review Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria and official terms and conditions to ensure you meet the requirements.
- Prepare Your Idea or Project: Develop or identify a youth-led idea or project that creates positive change in your school or community.
- Complete the Application: Prepare your application in English. If required under the age and country-specific rules, arrange appropriate adult support.
- Submit Your Application: Register and complete the application through the official online application portal.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2027 (99 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
