Rise Global Challenge: A Complete Guide

If you’re a high school student who loves finding creative ways to make a difference, the Rise Global Challenge might be the perfect opportunity for you. Open to students ages 15–17, this inspiring global program discovers young people with big ideas and helps them bring those ideas to life through scholarships, mentorship, and lifelong support.

Whether you’re just learning about what the Rise Challenge is or getting ready to apply for the Rise Global Challenge 2025, this guide walks you through everything you need to know—from eligibility and awards to practical tips on how to stand out.

• What Is the Rise Global Challenge?
• Rise Global Challenge Benefits
• How to Qualify for Rise Global Challenge
• How to Get into Rise Global Challenge
• How to Win the Rise Global Challenge
• Rise Global Challenge Previous Winners
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is the Rise Global Challenge?

The Rise Global Challenge is part of the Rise Program, a worldwide initiative by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust. Founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2019, the program was created to discover and support young people with the potential to make a lasting, positive impact on the world.

Each year, the Rise Global Challenge selects up to 100 Global Winners from thousands of applicants around the world. Winners receive lifelong support, including need-based scholarships, mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding to bring their innovative ideas to life and address real-world challenges.

The Rise Program operates on a powerful belief: “Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.”

Through the Rise Global Challenge, the initiative continues its mission to find exceptional young minds everywhere—from classrooms and science fairs to small communities and refugee camps—and give them the tools and support they need to create meaningful change.

Rise Global Challenge Benefits

The Rise Global Challenge gives you access to opportunities that help you learn, lead, and serve others. As a Rise Fellow, you’ll become part of a global community of students who want to use their talents to make a difference—and you’ll get lifelong support to help you grow your ideas and expand your impact.

From scholarships and funding to mentorship and technology support, below are the benefits of Rise Global Challenge designed to help you succeed in school and beyond:

1. Residential Summit

All Rise Fellows are invited to a fully funded, in-person summit where you’ll meet other young changemakers from around the world. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with workshops, cultural exchange, and collaboration. Attending the summit is required to stay active as a Rise Fellow.

2. Higher education scholarships

As a Fellow, you can earn a four-year scholarship for college or university that covers tuition and living costs based on your financial need. The Rise Scholarship makes higher education more accessible, especially for students whose financial aid doesn’t cover everything.

3. Funding for ideas

Do you have an idea that could help your community or even the world? Rise gives Fellows and Finalists a chance to apply for competitive funding to make those ideas real—whether it’s starting a social enterprise, launching a nonprofit, or developing a science or tech project.

4. Network matching

Rise connects you with a global network of peers, mentors, and partner organizations that can help you reach your goals. Through this network, you’ll find opportunities for collaboration, internships, and professional growth—all supported by the Rise community.

5. Starter technology packages

To help you get started on the right foot, Rise provides technology packages such as laptops or tablets. These are distributed before or during your first year of college so you’re ready for both schoolwork and projects.

6. More opportunities to grow

The Rise Program is always evolving. Depending on funding and partnerships, Fellows may also get access to:

• Graduate scholarships for future studies
• Special partner programs like internships or leadership trainings
• Virtual or in-person events focused on topics like AI, sustainability, and global innovation

How to Qualify for the Rise Global Challenge

If you’re dreaming of becoming part of a global community of young changemakers, here’s what it takes to qualify for the Rise Global Challenge 2025.

The program is open to students who are ready to use their creativity, leadership, and empathy to make a real impact in the world. Read on to see if you meet the requirements and how to prepare your application.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Rise Global Challenge, applicants must:

• Be 15 to 17 years old as of July 1, 2025
• Show qualities such as creativity, perseverance, integrity, empathy, and a genuine desire to serve others
• Have enough English proficiency to complete the application process and participate in interviews
• Obtain parent or guardian consent if under 18

Rise looks for students who have big ideas and the heart and determination to bring them to life.

Required documents

When applying to the Rise Challenge, make sure you have the following:

• Application form. You can access this after creating your profile on their website.
• Short essays or video responses about your goals and experiences.
• Documentation of your individual project, showing your ideas and the impact you’ve made.
• Verification of identity and parental consent (if you’re under 18).

These materials help Rise learn more about your creativity, problem-solving skills, and motivation to help others.

Contest fees

Good news—the Rise Challenge is completely free! There are no application or participation fees, so every qualified student can apply regardless of financial background.

Registration deadline

The Rise Global Challenge 2025 application deadline is expected to be January 2025, with peer review closing at the end of the month. Finalists will be announced later in the year.

According to the official Rise FAQs, there are currently no plans for additional application cycles, so it’s best to apply as soon as the next cycle opens.

How to Get Into the Rise Global Challenge

Getting into the Rise Global Challenge is an exciting process that gives you the chance to share your story, showcase your ideas, and connect with other young innovators around the world. The application focuses on who you are, what you care about, and how you want to make a difference—not just your grades or test scores.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Create your profile.

Start by visiting the Rise application page. Create your account and fill out your personal profile with basic information about your background, education, and interests. This helps Rise get to know you better.

Step 2: Complete the application.

You’ll respond to a series of short essay or video prompts about your goals, motivations, and challenges you’ve overcome. Use this section to express your personality and share what inspires you to serve others. Be honest, reflective, and specific—and remember that Rise values authenticity over perfection.

Step 3: Develop your project.

Between June and January, you’ll design and complete an individual project that highlights your skills and benefits your community. Your project could focus on science, social impact, art, technology, or any other area that shows your creativity and leadership. Think of it as your chance to bring your big idea to life!

Step 4: Peer review.

Once you’ve submitted your project, you’ll review at least three other applicants’ submissions. This step encourages collaboration, learning, and mutual respect within the Rise community.
It’s also a great opportunity to see how other young people around the world are using their talents to create change.

Step 5: Selection and interviews.

Rise evaluates every applicant based on brilliance, perseverance, integrity, empathy, and calling—qualities that reflect both talent and character.

Up to 500 finalists will move on to virtual interviews and group activities, where they’ll showcase their ideas and teamwork skills. From there, 100 Global Winners are selected to receive lifelong support through scholarships, mentorship, and funding.

The Rise Program is all about potential, so focus on showing who you are and what drives you to make an impact.

How to Win the Rise Global Challenge

To win the Rise Global Challenge, you must show heart, creativity, and determination. The judges want to see how you think, what motivates you, and how you take action to make a difference.

Here’s how to make your Rise application stand out:

1. Tell a powerful story.

Your story is what makes your application memorable. Share how your experiences, challenges, or passions have shaped your desire to help others. Be honest and personal—let the judges see what drives you and how your journey connects to your goals.

Before recording your video or writing your essay, jot down two or three defining moments that have influenced who you are. Use those to guide your storytelling.

2. Be original.

The Rise Competition values authenticity. Don’t try to sound like anyone else—just be yourself. Think creatively about how to solve real problems and show your unique approach. Avoid generic answers or projects that feel “expected.”

To help, ask yourself, “What makes my idea different?” Maybe it’s the way you’re using technology, involving your community, or combining two interests that don’t usually go together. Highlight that difference.

3. Focus on impact.

Rise is more than just ideas—it’s also largely about impact. Explain clearly how your project helps others or improves your community. Even small, focused projects can stand out if they create real change or inspire others to act.

Include examples or short stories showing your project in action. Talk about who benefited and how. Numbers are great, but personal stories often make a stronger impression.

4. Follow the guidelines.

Make sure your submission follows the Rise Content Submission Guidelines so it can be reviewed successfully. These include:

• Videos must be in English and between 30 seconds and 5 minutes long.
• Text responses should be 250–1,600 characters.
• Avoid using personal identifiers (like your full name or school name).
• Keep everything respectful, appropriate, and original.

Review your responses before submitting. Ask a trusted teacher, parent, or friend to check for clarity, tone, and grammar. A polished entry shows effort and attention to detail.

5. Demonstrate perseverance.

One of the biggest things Rise looks for is perseverance—the ability to stay motivated even when things get tough. Rather than just talking about your success, talk about your setbacks too. Share moments when you’ve faced obstacles but didn’t give up. Explain what you learned and how you used those lessons to improve your work. Judges want to see that you can adapt, learn, and keep pushing forward.

Rise Global Challenge Previous Winners

Each year, the Rise Global Challenge recognizes 100 inspiring Fellows from different countries, each transforming ideas into action in their own unique way. These students prove that age is no barrier to impact—whether they’re developing new technologies, empowering others, or tackling urgent global issues.

Here are some of their incredible stories from the 2024 winners and what they worked on:

If you’re thinking about applying to the Rise Global Challenge 2025, take inspiration from these stories. Notice how each winner started with something personal—a problem they cared about, a community they wanted to help, or a skill they wanted to share—and turned it into action.

You don’t need a perfect idea or fancy resources to make an impact. What matters most is your passion, creativity, and commitment to helping others. Like these Fellows, your project could be the start of something truly transformative for both your community and your own journey as a changemaker.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Rise Challenge?

The Rise Challenge is a global program for students ages 15–17 who want to use their creativity and leadership to make a positive impact. Part of the Rise Program by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust, it offers lifelong support (like scholarships, mentorship, and funding) to help young people turn their ideas into real-world change.

2. When is the Rise Global Challenge 2025 application deadline?

The Rise Global Challenge 2025 application deadline is January 2025, with peer review closing later that month. According to official FAQs, there are no plans for additional cycles yet, so apply early once applications open.

3. Is there a fee to join the Rise Program?

No, the Rise Challenge is completely free to enter, with no application or participation fees. Every eligible student can apply regardless of their financial background.

4. What are the benefits of the Rise Scholarship?

Winners receive a four-year need-based scholarship, mentorship, career development support, and funding for projects that create community impact. They also get technology packages like laptops or tablets and access to a global network of young leaders.

5. How are Rise Global Winners selected?

Applicants are chosen for their brilliance, perseverance, integrity, empathy, and calling to serve others. The process includes essays or videos, a personal project, peer reviews, and finalist interviews before 100 Global Winners are selected.

Takeaways

• The Rise Global Challenge empowers young people to make a difference through service, innovation, and leadership.
• Open to students ages 15–17, the program provides scholarships, mentorship, and lifelong support to help ideas grow into action.
• Winners become part of a global network of changemakers supported by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust.
• They also become part of a global network of changemakers supported by Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust.
• Plan your extracurricular path and strengthen your extracurriculars with Rise Global Challenge and talking to a private consulting expert to craft a standout pre-college profile.