Are you a teacher searching for a program that improves leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in young minds? The Leadership for Change Prize by The Economist Educational Foundation, in partnership with Rolex, is an ideal opportunity to engage students in impactful projects that address significant social issues.

The Leadership for Change Prize, aimed at 10- to 16-year-old students, provides a structured curriculum to improve leadership and communication skills.

The 2024 Prize also allows students to develop and showcase their ideas for making a difference. On November 13, 2024, students can participate in an interactive live online lesson designed to inspire and equip them with skills for making their “Project for Change” through the Leadership for Change curriculum. Following the live session, students can submit their projects by November 20, 2024, to win mentorship, funding, and recognition for their impactful initiatives.

Through six curriculum lessons, students explore diverse topics, including sustainable communities, gender equality, and healthcare access, learning to lead change meaningfully. Particularly, the six lessons include the following topics:

Curriculum Lessons

• Lesson 1: Leadership for Change
  • Definitions and concepts: “leadership,” “entrepreneurial spirit,” “change-maker.”
  • Group activities: discuss skills needed to lead change.
• Lesson 2: Leading Change for Women and Girls
  • Discuss leadership examples related to gender equality in the news.
  • Group work: compare initiatives supporting women and girls.
• Lesson 3: Leading Change for Access to Healthcare
  • Explore health across different life stages.
  • Role-playing and interviews on healthcare initiatives
• Lesson 4: Leading Change for Sustainable Communities
  • Discuss sustainability in food, transport, and buildings.
  • Debates on community sustainability.
• Lesson 5: Projects for Change
  • Brainstorm and plan individual “Project for Change” ideas.
  • Draft and develop project pitches.
• Lesson 6: Presentation of Pitches
  • Present project ideas and receive feedback.
  • Reflect on skills gained and submit pitches for the Leadership for Change Prize 2024.

In addition to classroom learning, students can participate in a global competition, where selected projects receive funding and mentorship. With resources created in partnership with renowned journalists and fact-checkers from the Economist Newspaper, the program ensures that students are empowered with reliable knowledge and the tools to make a difference.

What is the Leadership for Change Program in General?

The Leadership for Change program generally has three core activities:

• Curriculum: Six one-hour lessons to equip students with the skills to lead change in their communities.
• Live Lesson: On November 13, 2024, students can join an interactive online session at 10 am or 3 pm (GMT) to engage with leaders and participate in activities.
• Competition: Students submit their “Project for Change,” with three winning projects receiving funding and mentorship.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: November 20, 2024
• Live lesson at 10 am and 3 pm GMT: November 13, 2024
• Result Announcement Dates: December 9, 2024
• Funding Type: Cash Prize
• Organizers: The Economist Educational Foundation, in partnership with Rolex
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male and Female
• Target Group: Students aged 10–16 years
• Focus Area: Leadership, critical thinking, community change
• Study Level: Primary to secondary education
• Number of Opportunities: Three winning entries
• Duration: Six lessons over several weeks
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Online

Benefits and Prizes

The Leadership for Change Prize will provide the following benefits for the winning schools:

• Winning schools receive up to £1,000 to implement the “Project for Change.”
• Three mentorship video calls from an experienced leader between January and June 2025
• Winning projects will be published on the Topical Talk website
• Each winning student receives an award to acknowledge their leadership efforts

Eligibility Criteria

Who is eligible for this Prize?

• Participation is open to all nationalities.
• Participants must be students aged 10-16
• Teachers must submit entries on behalf of students
• Groups of 2-3 students per entry are permitted
• Each entry must align with the “Project for Change” criteria and address a social or community challenge.
• Projects should not contain any identifying information about participants.

Required Documents

The following materials are required to enter the competition and win the Prize:

• Project entry form (completed by the teacher on behalf of students)
• Written, audio, or video format of project submission
• Entries should not exceed 650 words or four minutes in length

Notes:

• Deadline: November 20, 2024
• Teachers must submit entries for 2-3 students (one entry per group).
• Acceptable formats: written, audio, or video (max 650 words or 4 minutes).
• Entries must be anonymized with no identifying information.
• Teachers must have completed the Leadership for Change curriculum and accept the competition rules.

Selection Process

The selection process highlights are as follows:

• All entries are submitted by teachers and reviewed by a judging panel
• Shortlisted projects are announced by email on November 25, 2024
• A vetting interview for shortlisted projects takes place between November 25–29, 2024
• Winners announcement will be on December 9, 2024

How to Apply?

To apply for the Economist Leadership for Change Prize 2024, follow these four steps:

• Teach the Curriculum: At the first step, download and complete your classroom’s six Leadership for Change curriculum lessons.
• Develop Projects: Next, guide your students through creating their “Projects for Change.”
• Submit Entries: Use the competition entry form (link below) to submit each group’s project. Ensure submissions meet the format and word limits mentioned above.
• Wait for Results: See email notifications about shortlist announcements and further instructions if selected for the final round.

Enter Now

The official Economist Educational Foundation website provides further details and information regarding the Economist Leadership for Change Prize.

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