#United States #Washington, D.C. #Changemakers #First Book #Ashoka

Celebrating Young Changemakers: Time for Change Youth Challenge Winners

In an inspiring step forward for youth empowerment, First Book and Ashoka have unveiled the winners of the Time for Change Youth Challenge, an initiative designed to encourage and foster innovative solutions among students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Announced on April 8, 2025, this year's program awarded grants totaling more than $47,000 to aspiring young leaders across the United States who are making significant strides in their communities.

Two grand prize winners will each receive a $5,000 grant to manifest their creative solutions, while an additional 15 participants will benefit from $1,000 grants, all aimed at cultivating positive change in their respective schools and neighborhoods. This initiative showcases the importance of student-led action and the power of young individuals to influence their communities positively.

A Broad Reach Across the Nation

The Time for Change Youth Challenge elicited participation from 33 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, emphasizing its national reach and the commitment of diverse student bodies to enact change. Designed to spark transformative journeys, this initiative remains grounded in the belief that every young person, particularly those from economically disadvantaged or historically marginalized backgrounds, deserves access to the resources necessary to thrive as active changemakers.

First Book and Ashoka launched this initiative under the banner of their partnership, which first took shape in 2022 through the Dream, Act, Change our World campaign. This collaborative effort aims not only to support students but also to guide educators in nurturing an environment conducive to changemaking.

The Winners Making a Difference

Grand Prize Winners

1. Assistive Technology MakerSpace
A student group from Brooklyn, New York, composed of 5th, 6th, and 7th graders, aims to establish a Maker Space for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Their vision includes creating tools such as sensory fidgets for self-regulation and adaptive writing tools for non-verbal students.
2. The Inkstone Project
This initiative, led by two 11th graders from Huntington, West Virginia, seeks to address loneliness and isolation by fostering intergenerational bonds through storytelling outreach.

Kindergarten to 7th Grade Winners

• - Snack Shack for Super Cool Students (Toledo, Ohio)

Peyton, a kindergartener, plans to install a snack cabinet for students facing food insecurity.

• - Let’s Keep Baton Rouge Litter Free (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

River, a second grader, organizes community clean-ups to involve fellow students in beautifying their environment.

• - Fresh Fit: A Healthy Eating Revolution (Bloomington, Minnesota)

A class of second graders aims to promote healthy eating habits through engaging activities.

• - Be a Hero, Keep Litters at Zero (Malvern, Arkansas)

Fourth graders raise awareness about spaying and neutering pets through creative initiatives.

• - We’re Glad You’re Here! (Anchorage, Alaska)

Alina, a fifth grader, redesigns tardy slips with welcoming messages to ease students' anxiety.

• - NYO Games for Recess (Anchorage, Alaska)

Paxxon and J-von introduce culturally significant games during recess.

• - Cow, Chicken, Goat Food Forest (Casa Grande, Arizona)

Students propose a regenerative farm at school to improve community health.

• - Supporting Small Businesses (Los Angeles, California)

Yaretzi, a seventh grader, advocates for policies that allow students to sell their creations.

• - The Big Transition (Kannapolis, North Carolina)

Seventh graders assist fifth graders transitioning to middle school.

• - KNOW Suicide (Fullerton, California)

A project to raise awareness and educate students on suicide prevention.

8th to 12th Grade Winners

• - Lisowe’s Lights Shine Bright Project (Bryant, Arkansas)

Amelia provides comfort items for children entering foster care.

• - Climate Cardinals (Lititz, Pennsylvania)

Robert translates critical climate news into various languages to combat misinformation.

• - Connected Hearts - Women Empowerment Book Club (Nolanville, Texas)

Deliya fosters self-esteem and relationships among young girls.

• - ReGen Designs (Immokalee, Florida)

Sarah's program encourages teens to create upcycled fashion alternatives.

• - Empowering Youth Boys Through Hygiene Packs (Nolanville, Texas)

Donte tackles hygiene poverty by distributing care packages among boys.

The Impact of Changemaking

First Book serves a critical role in supporting educators working within low-income communities, offering resources and programs crucial for fostering a supportive learning environment. Ashoka complements this mission by leveraging its network to empower budding entrepreneurs focused on social change.

Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book, expressed excitement for the young leaders stepping up to address local issues with creativity and determination. Bill Drayton, Founder of Ashoka, emphasized the importance of nurturing