Apply for the Young Leaders GenC Program by Ashoka

Young people today are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are change agents today. If you’re passionate about social impact and community transformation, Generation Changemaker (GenC) by Ashoka offers a unique platform to strengthen your changemaking skills, build a powerful network, and amplify your ideas for positive change.

The program is open to young changemakers from Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and for the first time, several other European countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

Over the course of one year, participants benefit from workshops, peer exchanges, in-person meetups, and opportunities to connect with both young leaders and experienced professionals. This is an opportunity to grow your voice, expand your influence, and learn how to turn ideas into action in your community and beyond.

About the GenC 2026 Program

GenC  is an initiative by Ashoka, a global nonprofit pioneering social entrepreneurship and collective impact. Ashoka believes that everyone can be a changemaker, and the GenC program puts young change leaders at the center of this mission.

Participants will take part in a wide range of activities designed to build confidence, connect with peers, and strengthen changemaking capabilities. The program features:

• Peer-to-peer gatherings where young leaders exchange ideas and experiences in structured and informal settings.
• Online workshops and discussion formats led by experts across sectors to build skills and inspire innovation.
• In-person events including a nationwide meeting and an international GenC weekend with changemakers from multiple countries.
• Opportunities to amplify your voice through public visibility and engagement with decision-makers, making your perspectives heard on topics like climate, inclusion, education, and social justice.

Importantly, the program focuses on young changemakers who are already involved in community action or are ready to start making a difference. Whether you’ve led a project, organized a campaign, started a community initiative, or even just have an idea you’re excited about, GenC is designed to help you grow and connect.

Why This Program Matters

Globally, young people are leading movements, innovating community solutions, and challenging old ways of thinking. Yet despite their critical role, young leaders often lack platforms, resources, and networks that help them scale their ideas and connect with broader impact ecosystems.

This is where GenC makes a difference. It provides:

• A community of peers and mentors who support learning and collaboration
• Real opportunities to build confidence and skills through workshops and leadership sessions
• Visibility and access to public platforms and decision-makers
• Cross-border connections that expand perspectives and inspire collective action

By engaging in GenC 2026, young changemakers not only deepen their own capacities but also contribute to shifting how society views youth leadership — from spectators to co-creators of change.

The program’s emphasis on experiential learning, peer exchange, and networking gives participants tools to navigate complex challenges, design solutions that are contextually relevant, and collaborate across cultures and disciplines.

In a world where young voices are driving social, environmental, and policy shifts, programs like GenC empower participants not only to respond to challenges but to anticipate, influence, and lead change.

Who Can Apply

GenC 2026 is open to:

• Young individuals aged 14–24
• Residents of Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Italy, Poland, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.

Importantly, the program does not require previous formal qualifications; what matters most is your commitment to positive change and your willingness to engage, learn, and grow.

Application Timeline & Next Steps

Application deadline: 15 March 2026 
Program duration: One year of workshops, gatherings, and collaboration opportunities across borders.

To apply, visit the official Ashoka GenC program page and follow the registration instructions. Your application will ask for basic information about your interests, experiences, and what drives you toward positive change.

Looking for more opportunities? Explore the latest global calls on the Opportunities for Youth website.