Leadership for Change Prize

September 20th – November 20th 2024
Inspire students to tackle the big issues of our time.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROLEX. The Economist Educational Foundation maintained full editorial control.

Two black and white photos of enthusiastic students in front of a big pink circle that says "Leadership for Change"

Discover our new six-lesson curriculum and competition in partnership with Rolex.

Leadership for Change equips 10- to 16-year olds with key critical-thinking, creative problem-solving and communication skills.

Hear how issues in the news are being tackled by a diverse group of inspiring leaders. Students will apply the skills they develop to address challenges in their own communities and create their own "Project for Change".

The Leadership for Change Prize offers students the chance to submit their "Projects for Change" as part of a global competition. Prize-winners will receive funding and mentorship to turn their projects into a reality.

Download sample lesson (Zip)
Gold medal inscribed with "Winner 2024 Leadership for Change Prize"

Announcing the Prize winners

We're thrilled to announce three winning "Projects for Change", selected by our panel of judges. The winning groups will receive three mentorship video calls and up to £1,000 funding to deliver their project.

Meet the winners

About the curriculum

  • Newspaper clipping in shape of a speech bubble

    What does it take to be a leader?

    Explore what it means to lead change and champion entrepreneurial spirit.

  • Newspaper clipping in shape of a speech bubble

    How can leadership provide opportunities for women and girls?

    Discuss initiatives designed to combat gender inequality across the world.

  • Newspaper clipping in shape of a speech bubble

    How can leadership create better access to healthcare?

    Hear from a leader of change and discuss different perspectives on healthcare solutions.

  • Newspaper clipping in shape of a star

    How can we build – and lead – sustainable communities?

    Consider the food, transport and buildings we need for a sustainable future.

  • Newspaper clipping in shape of a crown

    How will you lead change?

    Discuss your local school and community context as students build their own project ideas.

  • Newspaper clipping in shape of a heart

    Prepare to pitch!

    Students will share their project ideas and vote for the project they think will have the biggest impact.

Go to the lessons

Leadership for Change live lesson

On November 13th we brought together over 4,000 children from 15 countries to take part in our online live lesson. Students engaged in lively activities, heard from inspiring leaders and joined global polls and discussions.

Watch the highlights

2024 timeline

September 20th: Lessons go live. November 13th: Live lesson. November 20th: Deadline for competition entries. December 9th: Prize winners announced.

FAQs

  • How do I teach the lessons?

    There are six lessons to teach as part of the curriculum and competition. Each lesson includes easy-to-download resources for everything you need to deliver a lively, one-hour lesson.

    The curriculum is versatile and can be embedded within literacy, personal development or citizenship lessons. Alternatively, you could deliver the lessons across form or registration time, or teach Leadership for Change as an extracurricular club.

    Teachers must have a registered Topical Talk account to download the lessons. Don't have a Topical Talk account yet? It's free, and only takes a minute to create! Get your account here.

  • How many lessons do I need to teach?

    Teachers should have taught all six lessons before submitting students' entries to the Leadership for Change Prize.

  • What is the live lesson?

    Schools are encouraged to join one of our online live lessons, delivered by experienced teachers at The Economist Educational Foundation. Log on as a class to join a series of engaging activities about leadership, hear from leaders affecting change and take part in polls and discussions with students from around the world.

    Find out more and sign up your class here.

  • Who can enter the competition?

    The competition is open to students aged 10 to 16. Entries must be submitted by a teacher on behalf of groups of 2-3 students. One entry per group is permitted and teachers must have a registered Topical Talk account to submit entries. Find out more about how to enter the competition.

    Don't have a Topical Talk account yet? It's free, and only takes a minute to create!
    Get your account here.

  • How can teachers submit students' entries?

    Teachers can submit their students' entries via the competition entry form.

    Note: Teachers must have a registered Topical Talk account and must accept the Competition Rules to submit entries.

  • What are the judges looking for?

    Lessons 5 and 6 of the Leadership for Change curriculum support students to create and pitch their "Project for Change". Top entries will:

    • Demonstrate leadership and entrepreneurial spirit
    • Include a clear, reasoned proposal
    • Cover an explanation of budget

    Learn more about the competition here.

  • What do the winners receive?

    Three winning entries will be selected by the judges. Each winning school will receive up to £1,000 to deliver the chosen "Project for Change". The projects will be published on our website and the winners will receive an award and three mentorship video calls from an experienced leader between January and June 2025. Find out more about the competition.