As change accelerates across every part of the country, there is an urgent need for solutions from every part of society. Now is an extraordinary time to be a young changemaker.

The T-Mobile Foundation, T-Mobile and Ashoka, are teaming up again this year to kick off the third annual Changemaker Challenge. This nationwide opportunity gives trailblazing young leaders (ages 13 to 18) the chance to take their ideas on how to create more connected, sustainable and inclusive communities and make them a reality.

Selected teams will receive $5,000 in seed funding, on-going mentoring, and publicity to support their projects, and one grand prize winner will receive $15,000 to supercharge their idea. The top 15 teams will also be invited to a three-day Changemaker Lab focused on collaboration, storytelling, and skill development.

Our online application closes on April 8, 2021 at 9:00pm Pacific Time.

This challenge is Ashoka (Home | Ashoka | Everyone a Changemaker) related. Ashoka is a 40 year old organization that has a vision that everyone is a Changemaker and founded the social entrepreneur movement that has over 3,500 Ashoka Fellows and more than a 1,000 concentrating on various aspects of youth development.  Ashoka supporta youth in a variety of ways with a focus on youth led social innovation.

This Ashoka/T-Mobile initiative is a great opportunity for Catholic school students. Key points include:

• It is for anyone 13-18.
• Final application date is April 8.
• Winners will be invited to the Changemaker Lab at T-Mobil’s headquarters in Bellevue on July 19-21 (virtual if necessary) to work with Ashoka and T-Mobile leadership.
• Consulting support for the rest of the year.
• There is an opportunity for financial support.
• An ideation tool kit is included.

If you would like more specific information of the work of Ashoka, please reach out to our Ashoka partner, Jim McGinley, Ashoka Seattle, Entrepreneur, C: 425-753-5600  T: 425-277-9842, Skype: jim.mcginley1  www.ashoka.org