Youth and Children

For three decades, Ashoka has set a standard that has been used to support the world’s leading social entrepreneurs.  This careful identification has played a major role in the rise of the citizen sector.   In recent years, we see young people emerging as key leaders in the sector.  Similar to the social entrepreneurs in the 80’s, these people are coming up with new ideas to engage hundreds of thousands of their peers with changemaking. We believe in supporting those exceptional young people who can organize, motivate, and bring their peers to the forefront of social change.  Such youth are the Lead Changemakers of a movement that is shaping the world in positive ways: giving young people the skills and opportunity to change the world, and ultimately creating a dynamic and engaged citizen base. 

Ashoka Youth and Children identifies young leaders who have already shown their entrepreneurial drive with successful ventures that are using a variety of methods to lead young people in the social space.  They might be mobilizing college students to green their campuses, creating a space for youth to publish social journalism, or providing mentor opportunities for youth and children; the possibilities for engagement here are limitless, so long as the Lead Changemakers are providing resources and opportunities for other young people to create the change they wish to see in the world.