IB Global Youth Action Fund for Secondary School Students

IB Global Youth Action Fund for Secondary School Students

The International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in international education, is launching for the second year in a row the Global Youth Action Fund, an award open to all students enrolled in a secondary school, ages 12 to 19, who have a project or idea they believe will make an impact in their community. The award will shine a light on the impressive work young people are doing around the globe.

The Global Youth Action Fund will be open to students, or student groups, aged 12 to 19 from both IB and non-IB schools and the deadline to apply for the grant will be open from 23 January to 27 February 2024. Students do not need to be enrolled at an IB World School but must be enrolled in a secondary school. The award represents a significant stride forward in IB’s mission of making its education programmes accessible to a diverse range of students, breaking down socio-economic barriers.

Last year, 101 projects representing over 500 young individuals from 48 countries showcased their commitment to creating a better world by submitting projects that address issues ranging from sustainability and equity to social justice. The award is designed to recognize and empower students who are taking the lead in addressing pressing global challenges, within the IB community and beyond.

At the IB, we believe young people can positively change the world. At the core of the IB philosophy is student agency. Through this award, the IB aims to support student development and growth by offering opportunities such as the Global Youth Action Fund grant to foster independent autonomous learning and nurture future leaders and changemakers.

"We are thrilled to be able to dedicate resources to empowering young people to lead positive change within their communities through innovation. The Global Youth Action Fund aims to amplify student voices and provide necessary support to enable them to address the world’s greatest challenges as our next generation of leaders.

To do this successfully, students must feel seen, heard and valued for their work—which we know can and will change the world for the better”, said Mr Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the IB.

The Global Youth Action Fund is part of the IB’s commitment to elevate, empower and support youth voices and is a pathway to action for the Festival of Hope. Learn more about IB’s other pathways to action on the Festival of Hope website.

Each project must be aimed to support one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Finalists will receive up to 3,000 USD grant funding depending on project needs, to transform or develop further their powerful idea.

Each project must be aimed to support one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and will be reviewed on the following selection criteria: 

Impact – Does the project demonstrate a clear positive impact on one of the SDG goals? Preferences will be given to projects with the most impact. 

Stage of project – What stage of development is the project in (idea, in-development, scaling, established)? Preference will be given to projects that are further along in the development process and have the possibility of scaling. 

Collaboration – Does the project involve or have the capacity to involve other students? Preference will be given to projects that get more young people involved whenever possible. 

School support – Applications will require one teacher recommendation form. Preferences will be given to students who have a teacher recommendation that demonstrates their support of the project in addition to their confidence in the students involved.

Selected students will receive:

Up to 3,000 USD in grant funding, dependent on project needs. Fundings is dependent on what students request and what the IB Global Youth Action Fund reviewers recommend.

Mentorship and connection with leaders in social entrepreneurship and other student awardees from around the world.

Eligibility

Any secondary school student between the ages of 12 and 19 is eligible to apply. Students are eligible to apply as individuals or groups, but we highly recommend students collaborate whenever possible. Students do not need to be enrolled at an IBWS but must be enrolled in a secondary school at time of the application deadline.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; IB Global Youth Action Fund for Secondary School Students

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