Applications are currently being accepted for the Ashoka - Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership 2026/2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Ashoka - Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
The Carnegie Challenge is designed around the concept of civic leadership, which involves recognising challenges within communities and working collectively to address them. Young participants are encouraged to demonstrate how their ideas or projects can involve others and contribute to positive change.
The challenge welcomes applicants who are already leading community projects, participating in youth-led organisations or developing new ideas that could make a difference. Projects should demonstrate meaningful youth leadership and a clear connection to positive community impact.
Benefits of Ashoka - Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
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.
Ashoka - Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership Requirements
Applicants must meet the challenge’s age, residency and project requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be 5 to 20 years old by 31 January 2027, the end of the entry period.
- Live in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, the United States or a U.S. territory.
- Submit the application in English.
- Be submitting a youth-led project or idea.
- Demonstrate that the applicant, aged between 5 and 20, is leading the project or initiative.
Additional adult support requirements apply to younger applicants. Applicants in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa who are 18 or younger must have an adult assist with completing the application. In the United States, applicants aged 13 or younger must also have adult support.
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
31 January, 2027
Opportunity Application
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Ashoka - Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
Apply for Ashoka - Carnegie Challenge for Civic Leadership
