Foster peace by building bridges
between cultures
Your Big Year® is challenging young leaders across the world to build positive bridges between cultures! In fact, young leaders from 106 countries have already participated in eight virtual challenges!
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 youth-led virtual event creates a transformative, and collaborative way to meet and work with peers worldwide. By participating, you will gain skills in digital collaboration, social impact, and cultural understanding, and learn about future career-building opportunities directly from professionals.
2026 was amazing! Apply early for the 2027 Challenge:
February 25 - 28, 2027
(15-20 year olds are eligible. Full details are below.)
Alternatively, you may refer to this application form link
What happens in the February event?
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!
Year-Round Programming
The learning and the fun never ends! In addition to our annual event, we have year-round penpal virtual exchange sessions. These are sessions where small groups of youth connect for cross-cultural dialogue. Check out the dates and sign up on the link below!
Hear What the Participants Have to Say
“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 the Global Citizens Challenge is a perfect resource to have so many students participate and communicate with youth throughout the world.”
- Amy Bonnici, Teacher, Wheeler School, Rhode Island, USA
Meet our Senior Youth Leaders
Who Should Apply?
For the February Challenge, the Global Citizens Challenge committee will select up to 200 young people ages 15-20 years old to participate in the February challenge, as well as work with various educators and youth leaders to bring their classes/groups.
The Committee is seeking self-motivated, open-minded individuals who bring passion, energy, and a genuine desire to learn. We value alignment with our mission and values above traditional credentials.
We’re looking for individuals who:
Are passionate about creating positive change
Are eager to learn from peers across cultures and diverse backgrounds
Value meaningful connections and enjoy engaging with a wide range of people
Are motivated to grow as young professionals through a dynamic online experience
Seek personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves and their communities
Aspire to make a meaningful impact in their own lives and in the world
If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply and join us.
For more information, please read our FAQs