The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award was established by Cisco and Global Citizen to recognize an individual aged 18-30 who has made a meaningful contribution to ending extreme poverty through the use of technology.
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Selected via an application process, the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award honors an individual aged 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully toward the goal of ending extreme poverty. The award includes a $250,000 prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes. The winner will be announced at Global Citizen NOW in May 2026 in New York City.
Candidates will be judged against criteria by a group of Global Citizens, Cisco, and independent experts. Up to five (5) finalists will be selected on or around February 2nd, 2026, and will be required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation. If applying for the prize, one should have their letters of recommendation ready for submission. Additional supplemental information might also be requested of finalists.
If selected as one of the 5 finalists, applicants will be judged by a panel of representatives from Global Citizen, Cisco, and esteemed activists and leaders in the international development field. The selected finalists will be contacted on or around February 2nd, 2026, to submit 3 letters of recommendation. Finalists who are contacted and cannot provide letters of recommendation and supplemental information by the deadline may be removed from further consideration.
Selected finalists will be provided with instructions on how to submit their letters of recommendation and supplemental information.
 Benefits
- The award includes a $250,000 prize paid to the organization to which the individual contributes.
- Encourage young award recipients to make a positive impact on the world.
- Recognition & Visibility
 Eligibilities
- Individuals aged 18-30 who have contributed meaningfully with technology to help end extreme poverty.
- Criteria:
- Demonstrated track-record of measurable impact at scale over the last 3-5 years advancing one or more of the Global Goals.
- Compelling vision and concrete plans for how to extend this work in the next 3-5 years, including how the prize will advance efforts.
- Demonstrates the values and embodies the spirit of a Global Citizen and a Global Problem Solver
- Innovates with technology or Internet-based communications to improve efficiency and reach and magnify impact
- Inspires other young people to have an impact on achieving one or more of the Global Goals
Eligible Regions:Â Open for all
