Build Bridges with Diverse cultures
We just WRAPPED 2024 Challenge - Watch our Wrap!
Your Big Year is challenging young leaders across the world to build positive bridges between diverse cultures! In fact, young leaders from 106 countries have already participated in six virtual challenges! For 2024 we are excited to partner with New York City to bring you exclusive virtual experiences from some of New York’s most famous attractions and discussions with professionals working in this amazing city!
If you want to create long-lasting friendships, learn new skills and make a real impact - then the Your Big Year Global Citizens Challenge is for you! Our online dynamic program provides young people with a transformative, and collaborative way to meet and work with peers from around the world. By participating, you will gain skills in digital collaboration, social impact, cultural understanding, and learn about future career-building opportunities directly from professionals.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
Sign up for early access to program applications and stay informed about future openings.
Program Schedule
See the schedule for 2024. More details to be released soon featuring our New York Virtual Tours!
Anyone between the ages of 15-20 years old can apply as an Individual.
In addition, teachers can nominate a student or their entire class:
PRESENTING PARTNERS
PROGRAMMING PARTNERS
Outcomes from participants in the 2023 challenge:
100% said they would recommend the GCC to their peers
95% learned something new
95% had a positive experience
78% learned something new about a different culture
84% gain more understanding of other cultures
91% of non-native English speakers practiced their language skills
“THE GLOBAL CITIZENS CHALLENGE IS AN EYE OPENING AND LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE FOR OUR YOUTH.”
- Kristin Pascal, Teacher, Largo High School, Maryland, USA
“BUILDING GLOBAL COMPETENCY SKILLS IN OUR STUDENTS IS AN IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL OF US EDUCATORS NO MATTER WHAT SUBJECT WE TEACH. THE FACT THAT GLOBAL CITIZENS CHALLENGE IS A FREE RESOURCE IS WHY WE ARE ABLE TO HAVE SO MANY STUDENTS PARTICIPATE AND COMMUNICATE WITH YOUTH THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.”
- Amy Bonnici, Teacher, Wheeler School, Rhode Island, USA
“THANKS TO THESE 4 DAYS, I HAVE MORE MOTIVATION THAN EVER!”
-Minh Trang, Vietnam
“THE GLOBAL CITIZENS CHALLENGE REIGNITED MY PASSION FOR WORLD CULTURES, SOLIDIFIED MY BELIEF THAT MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS CAN STILL BE NURTURED IN VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS, AND FINALLY, INVITED ME TO JOIN A VAST NETWORK OF COMMITTED GLOBAL CITIZENS.”
- Shamma, United Arab Emirates
What happens?
The Global Citizens Challenge consists of:
Penpal Sessions - interactive hangout video calls with other participants,
Interactive Activities & Virtual Passports - team based group work with your peers,
Industry Speakers - presentations and panel discussions from amazing speakers from the travel and tourism industry,
International Action Hub - immersive brainstorming and collaborative work through an interactive virtual space.
Our participants are in every time zone around the world. Therefore, the event has been designed with flexibility. Participants join at all hours between school, work, and other commitments - and some have so much fun that they stay on 24/7!!
Make An Impact Fellowship access
After the event, participants will have free access to the ‘Make An Impact’ Fellowship, a 3-month, self-paced program with 12 group coaching calls. The curriculum teaches personal and professional development skills based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how you can make an impact in your life and in your world! Learn More.
Who Should Apply?
We will select up to 200 youth (75 based in North America, 125 based worldwide). We seek self-motivated, diverse participants who bring to their work passion, energy and a desire to learn. We don’t measure people by traditional credentials. We are seeking people who align with our values:
You are passionate about making a change
You are eager to learn about different cultures directly from peers with different backgrounds
You want to meet with like-minded people
You wish to grow as a young professional in an online experience
You wish to grow personally through this opportunity, including understanding yourself and your passions
You want to make an impact in your life and in your world!
For more go to our FAQs
Meet the GCC
Youth Leadership Committee
