Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026 | Nominate Young Social Innovators
Details
Ashoka Young Changemakers Program 2026 | Nominate Young Social Innovators
The Ashoka Young Changemakers Program is an international leadership and social innovation initiative that identifies and supports young people who are creating meaningful positive change in their communities. Organized by Ashoka , the program brings together young changemakers who have developed original solutions to social or environmental challenges and are inspiring others to become agents of change.
The initiative is built around Ashoka’s global vision of “Everyone a Changemaker”, encouraging young people to take leadership, solve problems, build teams, and create lasting social impact.
Young people can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone who recognizes their work. Selected participants become part of a network of young social innovators and gain access to mentorship, leadership development, peer learning, and international opportunities.
Program Details
- Program Name: Ashoka Young Changemakers
- Organization: Ashoka
- Program Location: Nigeria (for the linked opportunity)
- Opportunity Type: Youth Leadership and Social Innovation Program
- Eligible Applicants: Young Nigerian changemakers
- Age Requirement: Under 21 years
- Application Method: Online nomination
- Deadline: Nominations accepted year-round
- Funding: No application or participation fee
Benefits of the Ashoka Young Changemakers Program
Selected young changemakers gain access to a range of leadership development and networking opportunities.
1. Global Changemaker Network
Become part of a selected network of young leaders and social entrepreneurs working to address important social and environmental challenges.
2. Mentorship and Leadership Development
Receive mentorship, guidance, and support from experienced social entrepreneurs and Ashoka professionals to strengthen leadership and social innovation skills.
3. International Exposure
Gain opportunities to share your changemaking journey through media platforms, public events, and Ashoka’s international network.
4. Peer Learning and Collaboration
Participate in community events and peer learning sessions with other young changemakers, social entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders.
5. Support for Social Impact Initiatives
Access resources, strategic connections, and guidance to implement and expand initiatives that create positive change in schools, communities, and society.
6. Public Speaking and Leadership Opportunities
Selected participants may receive opportunities to speak at recognized platforms, collaborate with influential leaders, and inspire other young people to take action.
Note: This is a leadership and recognition program, not a conventional scholarship or paid fellowship. No guaranteed cash award or monthly stipend is advertised.
Areas of Social Impact
Ashoka welcomes young people working on innovative solutions across different fields, including:
- Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability
- Education and Youth Development
- Healthcare and Public Health
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
- Minority Rights and Diversity
- Information and Communication Technology
- Agriculture and Food Security
- Economic Sustainability
- Community Development
- Social Entrepreneurship
Applicants should demonstrate that their initiative addresses a genuine problem and has already created positive change.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Ashoka Young Changemakers Program through the Nigeria opportunity, applicants must:
- Be under 21 years of age.
- Be a Nigerian citizen and reside in Nigeria.
- Have launched an original initiative addressing a social or environmental challenge.
- Have developed a team around the initiative.
- Demonstrate leadership by helping other young people become changemakers.
- Show evidence of positive impact in their community or society.
- Be willing to co-lead Ashoka’s global Everyone a Changemaker movement.
Candidates should have more than an idea: they should demonstrate action, leadership, teamwork, and measurable or clearly documented impact.
Selection Criteria
Ashoka looks for young people who demonstrate three important qualities:
1. Original Idea
The candidate has identified a social or environmental problem through deep understanding and developed an original solution to address it.
2. Team Leadership
The candidate has built a team around the initiative and encourages others to take leadership and create positive change.
3. Demonstrated Impact
The initiative has already improved people’s lives or the environment and shows a commitment to creating positive change for everyone.
Candidates should also demonstrate a strong interest in helping other young people discover their potential as changemakers.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of four stages.
Stage 1: Online Nomination and Screening
Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by another person through the online nomination form. Applicants should explain their initiative, leadership experience, and social impact.
Stage 2: National Review
Shortlisted candidates interact with the Ashoka team in their country to discuss their initiatives, leadership experiences, and opportunities for further development.
Stage 3: International Review
Candidates engage with senior Ashoka representatives and young changemakers from the global network. They receive feedback and guidance to strengthen their initiatives.
Stage 4: Selection Panel
Final candidates participate in an in-person or virtual selection panel involving social entrepreneurs, journalists, and other leaders. The panel evaluates their potential to contribute to the Everyone a Changemaker movement.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Ashoka Young Changemakers nomination page.
- Read the eligibility criteria and selection requirements carefully.
- Choose whether to nominate yourself or another young changemaker.
- Complete the online nomination form.
- Provide information about the initiative, the problem being addressed, and the proposed solution.
- Explain the team structure and the impact achieved so far.
- Share relevant links, media coverage, project websites, or other evidence of the initiative.
- Submit the nomination form online.
Nominations are accepted throughout the year. Submission of a nomination expresses interest in being considered for an upcoming selection process; it does not guarantee selection.
Why Join Ashoka Young Changemakers?
The Ashoka Young Changemakers Program is an excellent opportunity for young social innovators who want to strengthen their leadership, expand their initiatives, and inspire others to create positive change.
Through mentorship, international networking, peer learning, and access to a global changemaking community, selected young leaders can develop the skills and connections needed to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative society.
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Exchange Programs |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Open to | All Nationalities |