‘Your Big Year’ Definition

- noun -

The moment in your life that inspired where you go today.

At Your Big Year®, we envision a world where young people can reach their full capacity and apply their unique capabilities to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Our long-term goal is to provide equitable opportunities as we believe anyone can make an impact - big or small.

Our Mission

To empower young people to make an impact in their life and in their world.

We focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals:
4 - Quality Education
10 - Reduced Inequalities

Our Programs

The Your Big Year platform is the first stop in discovering your journey. We work with young people from every background to teach bridging skills from academia to career. We’re proud to see our alumni go forward to speak on global stages, win exclusive fellowships, launch new businesses, and travel the world - in fact, we boast about them in our “My Journey” article series! 

Your Big Year has four main programs, which are currently fully funded for accepted applicants:

Your Big Year Celebrates Diversity

Diversity and inclusion has always been at the heart of everything we do, and we actively seek out backgrounds and perspectives that range from the manifold of experiences that relate to what it means to be human. At Your Big Year, we celebrate your unique ancestry, color, physical or mental disability, place of origin, race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation - what makes you, you!


Your Big Year Values


Your Big Year Approach

Giancarlo and group

We meet, support and empower you where you are. Whether you have concrete goals about what you want to accomplish in your life or you’re just starting to ask yourself questions around where you want to go and who you want to become, we can help you figure it out.

Your Big Year is about making an impact in your life and in your world. It’s about that moment in your life that inspires where you go today. And what’s more, if you feel like you don’t have that moment in your life as a catalyst just yet -- we can co-create that with you, and help you develop the skills and equip you with the tools to seize every opportunity that comes your way. We’re here to help you make today truly your big day, this month your big month, and this year, your big year.

Your Big Year Outcomes

  • Confidence in yourself, your voice, and your abilities

  • Diverse, passionate, and globally-based peer network that supports your goals

  • Bridging skills from academia to career (for example: how to network, expand your horizons, and build relationships across cultures)

  • An action plan that empowers you to start their next project, initiative or career step

Read what our alumni say about Your Big Year: Read Alumni Testimonials


Now, it’s your turn! #MakeThisYourBigYear