Global Education Challenge
Globally 251 million children and youth are out of school and the poorest countries continue to fall behind with 33% of students out of school (compared to 3% in the richest countries). (Source: UNESCO)
The Fitch Group x Social Shifters Global Education Challenge supports young impact entrepreneurs (18-30 years) innovating to provide better access to free and high-quality education for all.
MULTIPLE GRANT FUNDING AWARDS OF UP TO $15,000 (USD) + FREE-TO-ACCESS FOUNDER & PROJECT SUPPORT!
Our Shared Education Challenge
Access to education is a basic human right enabling upward socio-economic mobility and an escape route from poverty. Yet 251 million children and young people are not in school with over half of the global out-of-school population in sub-Saharan Africa (51%), an increase from 32% in 2000. High rates of poverty, exclusion and gender inequality continue to hold millions back from learning.
Despite global efforts, inequities in education access and quality persist and are further perpetuated by conflict and climate change in many developing nations. It’s time to reimagine education in order to better meet the needs of children and young people everywhere.
Access to education is a basic human right enabling upward socio-economic mobility and an escape route from poverty.
Providing Universal Access to
QUALITY EDUCATION
The Global Education Challenge is looking for innovative startups and projects that support better access to free and high-quality education for all. We are particularly interested in solutions that:
1) Widen access to basic mathematics and literacy skills.2) Promote financial inclusion through education.3) Deliver education to remote and rural communities.4) Eliminate gender disparities in education.
We are looking for lasting solutions that can be delivered on an ever-increasing scale, and which can be replicated in different geographies.
YOUR 2025 CHALLENGE JOURNEY!
WHY ME, WHY NOW?
1) GRANT FUNDING AWARDS
Total grant funding award pot of $45,000 USD, with a maximum allocation of $15,000 per project.
2) FREE FOUNDER & PROJECT SUPPORT
We’ll help founders to develop a strong submission, provide access to exclusive learning materials and a pitch coach to all finalists.
3) GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES NETWORK
Applicants gain exclusive access to all-year-round opportunities inclusing more grants, paid work and training opportunities!
The Sustainable
Development Goals
To enter the Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge your idea must contribute to at least one of the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a “shared blueprint” for peace and prosperity for people and the planet.
The Global Education Challenge relates in particular to SDG 4 – Quality Education. You can find more information on SDG 4 on the UN’s SDG website.
EDUCATION CHALLENGE
MEET OUR
PREVIOUS WINNERS.
"Growing up, I witnessed a culture of silence around topics like sexual health, consent, and gender equality. That silence wasn't just in my home but in schools, community spaces, and even among peers. It frustrated me because I saw how the lack of open conversations left so many young people confused, misinformed, or even unsafe."
Niyati sharma | 24 | INDIA
Niyati is breaking gender stereotypes in Indian classrooms, ensuring every students voice is heard.
"After the first term, I was shocked to learn that a staggering 70% of high school science students had dropped out. Investigating further, I discovered a pattern - the teaching methods were formal, dry, and
inaccessible to many students."
John Onuigbo | 23 | NIGERIA
John is driving innovation in science education through the development of a 3D virtual science laboratory application for use in Nigerian schools
"Out of 2,144 Sub-Saharan African languages, 97% are communicated orally and only 13 languages are digitally accessible. Even with the recent growth of artificial intelligence, African languages are still largely excluded online."
Oluwatosin SHONA Olalere | 24 | nigeria
Shona works to bridge the digital divide across native African languages, empowering millions of Africans by enabling speech-to-text narration in many indigenous languages.
"My friend was denied healthcare due to her marital status and resorted to consuming a dozen emergency contraceptive pills to terminate her pregnancy. Witnessing her pain and suffering shook me to the core. I knew that I had to act and challenge the deep-rooted shame and stigma surrounding sexual and reproductive health."
Priyal Agrawal | 28 | India
Priyal is empowering young people in India to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships and lives through AI driven sexual health education.
Your 2025 Challenge Journey
From 1st May
Pre-Register to access our program EXTRAS!
JUNE 2ND
Submissions Open
JULY
Get your submissions in!
AUG 29TH
Submissions Close
FROM SEPT
Social Shifters Global Opportunities Network
SEPT
Submission Scoring Begins
OCT
Submission Scoring Ends
OCT
Finalists Announcement + Pitch Coaching Begins
NOV
FINALS! Pitching Begins
DEC
Winning Projects Announced
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge is designed to give young impact founders a platform; providing project funding, unique leadership learning, and exclusive exposure through some of the worlds biggest brands.
To be eligible for this program your social startup must be:
100% YOUTH-LED – Founders leading the startup or project must be between 18 and 30 years old and have clear decision making authority.
IMPACT FOCUSED – Startups and projects must address a clearly defined social or environmental issue and have measurable social outputs and impact.
Thanks to the continued support of Fitch Group and their incredible employee volunteers, Social Shifters work to find and fund the best youth-led innovation from around the world that supports better access to a high quality of education for all.
ABOUT SOCIAL SHIFTERS
We exist to support the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs – young people everywhere taking action on the social and environmental issues that matter to them most.
We operate on a non-profit basis to provide unique learning experiences, guidance and grant funding for young impact founders.
Learn more about Social Shifters.
