Global Youth Action Fund Applications Now Open

International Baccalaureate Organization Invites Students Around the World to Lead Community-Driven Projects; Empowering Young Changemakers Worldwide

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 22, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in international education, has opened the annual application window for the Global Youth Action Fund, an award open to students enrolled in a secondary school aged 12 to 19 who have developed projects or initiatives aimed at creating a positive social impact in their communities.

The Global Youth Action Fund will be open to students, or student groups, from both IB and non-IB schools. The window to apply for the grant will remain open until 30 January 2026.

The fund is open to young people who are driven by purpose and a desire to make a difference. To date, the Global Youth Action Fund has awarded grants to over 290 projects led by more than 440 young people globally. Whether tackling climate change in Jakarta, advancing gender equity in Nairobi, or building digital inclusion in Lima, each project contributes to a shared movement of youth-led action and collective hope.

“Since its founding in 1968, the IB has been dedicated to building a better, more peaceful world,” said Dr. Nicole Bien, Chief Community Partnerships & Development Officer for the IB. “Young people today are showing great resilience and curiosity in the face of global challenges, starting from within their communities and working outwards to develop initiatives that drive meaningful change. We are delighted to support these young leaders in their inspiring efforts.”

The Global Youth Action fund is part of the IB’s commitment to support, elevate and empower youth voices. Designed to unite the global community in challenging moments, the Festival of Hope creates a space for young people to share their experiences and transform complex challenges into positivity and hope. Discover more pathways to action on the Festival of Hope website.

Every funded project must align with one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is reviewed by an international panel of experts, educators, and youth leaders. Selection is based on:

• Purpose and vision – addressing meaningful global or local challenges. 
• Innovation and creativity – offering bold, original approaches to change. 
• Impact and sustainability – demonstrating measurable potential for long-term benefit.
• Collaboration and leadership – engaging others to create shared solutions.

Selected students will receive:

• Up to 3,000 USD in grant funding, as per project needs. Funding is dependent on what students request and what the IB Global Youth Action Fund committee decides.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with leading social entrepreneurs and other student awardees from around the world.

“The most meaningful aspect of the program was receiving firsthand insights from industry experts,” said Sadhika Kapoor, a student from Vietnam whose EcoPsych project promotes eco-friendly action in schools. “We felt genuinely honored to be in the presence of such highly accomplished individuals. Discovering that they began their changemaking journeys at the same age as us made them even more compelling role models.”

Students can visit the IB website for details on how to apply.

###

If you would like more information, please contact media@ibo.org

About the IB
Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneered a movement of international education and now offers four high quality, challenging educational programs to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and proficiency for solving complex problems while encouraging multiculturalism, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence. In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than two million students in over 6,000 schools across more than 160 countries. To find out more, please visit www.ibo.org/.

Dan Rene
Dan Rene Communications
+1 202-329-8357
dan@danrene.com

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.