A platform for young people around the world to advocate for their communities, share their opinions and stories about local and national challenges.

2025 - Michigan

In partnership with MSU Extension, young Michiganders in high school and beyond were asked to share their stories, reflections, and visions of community.

_{Photo Credit: Robert Du Bois}

2024 - Middle East and North Africa

In partnership with MSU’s Muslim Studies Program, and MSU's African Studies Center, young people in the Middle East and North Africa responded to the theme "Authoring Our Own Stories." 

2023 - Central and Eastern Europe

In partnership with MSU’s Center for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES), we invite you to read youth inspirational stories of RESILIENCE.

2021 - Southeast Asia

In partnership with MSU's Asian Studies Center, contestants submitted essays about their specific interventions to confront inequity in their local communities. 

2020 - Latin America 

In partnership with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS), youth in South, Central America, and the Caribbean shared their inspirational stories with us. 

2018 - Africa

The 2018 contest shifted to focus on solutions. Contestants were asked to write about their specific interventions that are currently working to confront an inequity of their choosing.

2017 - Africa

In partnership with MSU's Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), contestants submitted essays following the theme  "Working Together to Create the Africa We Want."