To empower young change-makers and foster inclusive knowledge, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched the Youth Well-Being Prize Competition 2023. This prestigious competition aims to recognize and reward innovative solutions that make educational materials and essential information easily accessible to young people worldwide.
The competition comes with a total cash prize of $50,000, to be awarded across five different categories, each addressing critical challenges faced by youth today.
Categories for the Youth Well-Being Prize
Through the Youth Well-Being Prize Competition, the USAID is looking for solutions created by young people (10 and 29), with the solution prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, and also taking into consideration the diverse identities of young people in the following categories: Mental health, Digital harm, Safeguarding, Gender-based violence, and Climate change:
Mental Health
This category seeks ideas focused on improving the mental well-being of children and youth. Innovations could include personalized care, psychotherapy, stress reduction techniques, and other interventions to enhance the overall well-being of young individuals.
Digital Harm
Innovations in this category aim to tackle digital harm caused by online platforms and digital usage. Solutions may address issues like hate speech, cyberbullying, doxing, explicit content sharing without consent, misinformation, and more.
Safeguarding
Participants interested in child and youth protection from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence should apply in this category. Innovations may cover prevention and response strategies for various forms of violence.
Gender-Based Violence
This category focuses on combatting harmful actions or threats directed at individuals or groups based on their gender identity, expression, or challenging traditional gender norms. Solutions should aim to promote gender equality and prevent gender-based violence.
Climate Change
Innovations in this category center around raising climate awareness, promoting sustainable lifestyles, supporting renewable energy, conserving nature, and implementing climate adaptation and mitigation projects. Youth-led efforts in climate change mitigation are particularly encouraged.
Benefits of the USAID Youth Well-Being Prize Competition
The Youth Well-Being Prize Competition offers a total of 15 cash prizes, with $5,000 awarded to the first-place winner, $3,000 for the second place, and $2,000 for the third place in each of the categories mentioned above.
This financial support is designed to fuel the implementation of winning ideas and bring positive change to communities worldwide.
Prize Disbursement
Upon being selected as winners, participants should submit their bank account information within two weeks to receive their prize in U.S. dollars. However, prize disbursement is subject to scrutiny to ensure compliance with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions lists.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the Youth Well-Being Prize Competition, kindly see the below eligibility requirements:
- Participants must be between 10 and 29 years old or part of a youth-led organization
- Have innovative ideas to improve youth well-being in the above-mentioned categories
- There is no requirement for prior professional or academic experience in any particular field or topic.
- Countries that are subject to OFAC sanctions are allowed to participate or to receive prize money.
How to Apply for USAID Youth Well-Being Prize Competition 2023
- Eligible participants can apply through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) website or via docs.google.com/forms/viewform
- The application process is easy, offering an opportunity for young change-makers to contribute to a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
- Please note that all information provided will be used to select the top 50 finalists for the Competition. Additionally, the details provided will be used for applicant selection purposes only.
- For more details, kindly visit the USAID website at: https://docs.google.com
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Youth Well-Being Prize Competition is September 29, 2023.
FAQs
Who can participate in the Youth Well-Being Prize Competition?
Participants must be between 10 and 29 years old or part of a youth-led organization with ideas to improve youth well-being.
What are the prize categories?
The prize categories are Mental Health, Digital Harm, Safeguarding, Gender-Based Violence, and Climate Change.
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