How To
PARTICIPATE
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, countries, and communities."
STEP 1
Form Your Team & Register
Gather a group of 3 to 10 students (ages 14–18 by November 30).
Appoint a team leader and complete the registration form, and pay the registration fee ($40 per student).
Registration Deadline in 2025-2026:
November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
*Need-based Waiver: If you face financial hardship, you may apply for a fee waiver. Please submit a brief letter explaining your situation to info@youthchangemaker.org, along with any supporting documents. We are committed to ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent anyone from joining.
STEP 2
Complete Your Project
After registering, your team will work on a real-world social or environmental issue.
You’ll go through three key stages:
C.
Reflect and Grow
Look back to move forward.
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What did you learn?
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What worked — or didn’t?
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How did this journey change you?
B.
Learn and Act
Understand the problem, then take action.
Do your research: talk to people, read, explore.
Then design a small, practical solution — even if it’s just helping one person or one place.
A.
Find What Matters
Choose a real-world problem that speaks to you.
It can be social or environmental — local or global.
What matters is that you care deeply about it.
STEP 3
Submit Your Project
By January 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EST), submit:
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A Written Report that clearly presents the core elements of your YCA project (max 3000 words)
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A Video Presentation accompanied with slides (max 5 minutes)
Note: Your video will be judged on its content, not editing quality.
STEP 4
Finalist Interviews
By March 2026, 23 finalist teams from around the world will be invited to online interviews with our global selectors.
Final winners will be announced in May 2026.
Timeline
September 1
2025
Registration opens
November 30
2025
Registration deadline
January 31
2026
Final project submission
March
2026
Finalists announced & interviews begin
May
2026
Winners awarded
What We Look For
Your team will be evaluated based on:
Passion
Clear motivation to make a difference
Focus
A specific and meaningful problem statement
Research
Strong understanding of the issue
Design
Practical, original, and relevant solutions
Action
Evidence of effort, implementation, and impact
Reflection
Insights gained, challenges faced, and growth shown
Awards
We proudly recognize and celebrate outstanding youth leadership through the following award categories:
Gold Medal – 3 Teams
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$1,000 Seed Round Impact Investment to expand and sustain your project over the next year
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Special invitation to meet Professor Muhammad Yunus and share your vision
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Featured recognition across our global partner network
Silver Medal – 20 Teams
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Recognized for exceptional project quality, innovation, and execution
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Access to extended project mentorship and networking opportunities
Finalist Changemaker Awards
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Certificate of Achievement
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A selection of teams whose submissions demonstrated strong potential, impact, and dedication will receive honorable mention