Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 (With up to $250,000 in Prize)

The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established by Cisco and Global Citizen to recognize an individual aged 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully with technology to help end extreme poverty.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 17 December 2025
2. Value: $250,000 USD
3. Study Level: Fellowship/Leadership Award
4. Sponsor: Cisco & Global Citizen
5. Host Country: United States
6. Eligible Countries: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 (With up to $250,000 in Prize)

1. Demonstrated track record of measurable impact at scale over the last 3-5 years advancing one or more of the Global Goals.
2. Compelling vision and concrete plans for how to extend this work in the next 3-5 years, including how the prize will advance efforts.
3. Inspires other young people to have an impact on achieving one or more of the Global Goals
4. Demonstrates the values and embodies the spirit of a Global Citizen and a Global Problem Solver
5. Innovates with technology or Internet-based communications to improve efficiency and reach and magnify impact.

Application Date and Process

If you are selected as one of the 5 finalists, you will be contacted on or around February 2nd, 2026, to submit 3 letters of recommendation:

3 Letters of endorsement/recommendation

1. A Colleague
2. A Funder or Operational Partner
3. Person you’ve impacted

Once you apply for the Prize, you should have your letters of recommendation ready for submission. Supplemental information might also be requested of finalists. Finalists who are contacted and cannot provide letters of recommendation and supplemental information by the deadline may be removed from further consideration.

If selected as a finalist, you will be provided with instructions on how to submit your letters of recommendation and supplemental information.

Benefits of Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 (With up to $250,000 in Prize)

1. Prize: $250,000 awarded to the winner’s organization.

How to Apply

View details of The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award

Apply for The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award

Application Deadline

17 December, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 (With up to $250,000 in Prize)