Discover the world's most prestigious awards for high school and college students doing community service, social entrepreneurship, and humanitarian work. Complete details — eligibility, application steps, deadlines & how KCS Foundation helps you win.
17+
Awards Listed
$500K+
Prize Money
180+
Countries Eligible
100%
Free to Apply
Awards like the Diana Award and Diamond Challenge are recognized by Harvard, Oxford, MIT and top universities globally as proof of leadership.
Many awards come with $1,000–$36,000 in cash prizes, scholarships, or grants to fund your next project.
Join an international community of youth changemakers and gain media coverage, mentorship, and networking opportunities worldwide.
17 awards found
Breakthrough Prize Foundation (founded by Julia & Yuri Milner, 2015)
Global science video competition: explain a complex concept in math, life sciences or physics in a short video to win a $250,000 college scholarship.
The Diana Award (UK)
The highest accolade a young person can receive for social action or humanitarian efforts. Named after Diana, Princess of Wales, it is recognised by universities worldwide including Ivy League, Oxford and Cambridge.
Horn Entrepreneurship, University of Delaware (USA)
A global entrepreneurship competition for high school students to build social ventures solving real community problems. Top teams win $25,000+ and present at the University of Delaware. Recognised by Ivy League admissions.
Prudential Financial & National Association of Secondary School Principals (USA)
The USA's largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service. State winners receive $1,000; national finalists receive $10,000 and a trip to Washington D.C.
Ashoka (Global)
Ashoka Young Changemakers recognises young social entrepreneurs aged 13–20 who have independently launched initiatives creating systemic social change. Fellows join a global network of the world's leading social entrepreneurs.
United Nations Environment Programme (Global)
The UN's flagship prize for young environmental entrepreneurs. Seven winners selected globally receive $10,000 seed funding, mentorship from global experts, and a platform at major international events. Applications for 2026 were open March–April.
The Earth Foundation
A $100,000 global environmental sustainability competition for teens (ages 13–19) to develop solutions to environmental challenges.
Rotary International (Global)
Rotary International's recognition programme for young people making outstanding contributions to their communities. Nominations made through local Rotary clubs globally. Excellent for college applications and LinkedIn profiles.
YES Events FZE LLC & KCS Foundation
A prestigious recognition programme for students who demonstrate both academic excellence and meaningful community service. Particularly valued by UAE, Indian and international school students for university applications.
Conrad Foundation (USA)
Named after Pete Conrad (NASA astronaut), this award recognises teen volunteers aged 13–18 who demonstrate extraordinary community service, innovation, and leadership. Scholarship prizes range from $500 to $10,000.
Helen Diller Family Foundation (USA)
One of the most generous youth awards globally — up to 15 Jewish teens receive $36,000 each for leading social change initiatives. A landmark award for Jewish-American students applying to top universities.
Corporation for National and Community Service (USA)
The official award from the US President for outstanding volunteer service. Recognised by all US universities. Youth under 18 need 100–250+ hours. Awarded through certifying organisations — KCS Foundation can certify international service hours.
Youth Service America (Global)
The world's longest-running annual youth service event — held every April across 100+ countries. Young leaders can apply for project grants and earn international recognition for community service on Global Youth Service Day.
Prudential Financial (USA)
Prudential's national programme awarding US teens who create innovative solutions to financial or societal challenges. Winners receive $15,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C.
Various — MIT Solve, Global Changemakers, World's Children's Prize
A cluster of global awards recognising youth who use technology and innovation for social good — including MIT Solve, Global Changemakers, and World's Children's Prize. Wide age range and open globally.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (Global)
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's flagship youth recognition at the annual Goalkeepers Summit. Young leaders aged 18–30 who are advancing the UN SDGs receive global recognition and a platform alongside world leaders.
The Queen's Commonwealth Trust (Commonwealth Countries)
The Commonwealth's most prestigious youth award, formerly the Queen's Young Leaders Award. Open to 18–29 year olds from 56 Commonwealth nations — including India, UK, Canada and Australia — who lead community organisations creating social change.
Everything students and parents ask about applying for and winning global awards for social impact.
The most prestigious global youth awards for community service and social impact include the Diana Award (ages 16–24), the Diamond Challenge (ages 14–18), the Breakthrough Junior Challenge (ages 13–18), The Earth Prize (ages 13–19), and the President's Volunteer Service Award. All are free to enter and recognise sustained, verifiable social action.
The Diana Award is open to young people aged 16–24 at the time of nomination (they may be 25 when the award is received). Nominees must demonstrate 12 or more months of sustained, verifiable social action aligned with one of four UN SDG themes (Quality Education, Reduced Inequality, Good Health & Wellbeing, or Climate Action). A professional nominator aged 18+ must nominate them, with two additional Supporters and three pieces of evidence.
Yes. Most of the awards listed, including the Diana Award, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge and The Earth Prize, are open to students worldwide. Students from India, the UAE, the USA, the UK, Canada, Singapore and Qatar are eligible for multiple awards on this page.
KCS Foundation India helps students win global youth awards by providing a real, documented social impact project in rural Bihar, India. Students receive monthly progress reports, beneficiary data, photo evidence, a leadership certificate and mentorship — exactly the verifiable evidence that award judges require.
Yes. Every award listed on this guide is free to enter. KCS Foundation never charges students to apply for awards; our role is to help you build the qualifying project and prepare the application evidence.
KCS Foundation projects in rural India generate exactly the evidence these awards demand: monthly progress reports, beneficiary data, photo documentation, community impact certificates, and leadership logs. One project — eligible for multiple awards simultaneously.
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