Selection & Process

Mission

The United Nations Youth Impact Scholar Program, sponsored and overseen by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), identifies, elevates, and empowers exceptional young changemakers whose evidence-based projects advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a rigorous, ECOSOC-sponsored expert review, we select a cohort of 20–30 Scholars each year and equip them with the resources, networks, and recognition needed to scale their impact—from grassroots action to global policy arenas.

Core Pillars

Selection & Recognition

Rigorous review of project impact, innovation, and scalability by UN ECOSOC.

Capacity Building

Intensive leadership training workshops (SDG deep-dives, policy advocacy, data-driven measurement).

Peer-learning cohort model for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Mentorship & Networks

One-on-one pairing with UN experts and sector-leading practitioners.

Access to UN ECOSOC forums, working groups, and affiliated think tanks.

Seed Funding & Implementation Support

Up to $10,000 per scholar to pilot or scale their SDG-aligned project.

Technical assistance in monitoring & evaluation, communications, and partnership building.

Global Showcase & Amplification

Presentation of results at Asia Pacific UN Youth General Assembly.

Feature in UN digital channels and partner media for broader visibility.

Eligibility

Age 18–28 at time of application

Demonstrated leadership through a concrete, measurable project or initiative aligned to one or more SDGs

Commitment to a 12-month engagement (training + implementation)

Selection Criteria

Impact – clear evidence of outcomes and measurable change

Innovation – novel approaches or creative use of resources

Scalability – potential to replicate or grow beyond origin community

Sustainability – social, environmental, and financial viability

Leadership & Collaboration – ability to mobilize others and build partnerships

Application Guidelines

  • Required Documents:

    • Application Form (including personal essay)

    • Project Proposal (must include research or action plan)

    • One Letter of Recommendation (from a teacher or mentor)

    • School Transcript (for qualification verification)

  • Selection Criteria (under the supervision of the UN Economic and Social Council)

    • Innovation and feasibility of the proposal

    • Relevance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    • Applicant's academic potential, sense of responsibility, and commitment to solving global issues

Application Period

  • April 15 (Tue) – May 3 (Sat), 2025

  • Submission Email: outreach@hopetofuture.org

    ※ Application form can be downloaded at the bottom of the original announcement

    ※ First-round qualifiers must attend a virtual global meeting for the second round (details will be sent individually)

    ※ Mentoring and systemic support will be provided by the Hope to the Future Association