ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition 2025 | Win up to $500

The ChallengeUS Future Leaders Competition 2025 is an international contest designed to uplift and celebrate the voices of youth worldwide. Organized by ChallengeUS, a non-profit dedicated to providing educational opportunities and scholarship support, this competition invites students to express their ideas and vision for the future through creative writing, analytical essays, or speeches.

Open to high school and undergraduate students globally, this competition allows participants to compete for cash prizes, gain international recognition, and join a global network of like-minded youth. The Summer 2025 prompt asks participants to reflect on the topic: “What’s one thing you hope your country accomplishes by the year 2050 and what steps need to be taken to realize your vision?”

Entries can be submitted in multiple categories, and the competition promotes originality, leadership, and critical thinking. Top participants will be awarded, featured, and published, making this a powerful platform for students to share their ideas with the world.

Organizer: ChallengeUS
Program duration and type: Online; submission-based competition
What it offers: Cash prizes, certificates, publication, and access to a global youth leadership network
Ideal for: High school and undergraduate students interested in writing, public speaking, or leadership

Eligibility

Who can apply:

• High school and undergraduate students from any country
• Students on academic gap years or homeschooled students
• Past participants (except previous first-place winners)

Restrictions:

• Entries must be in English
• Only original, plagiarism-free, and AI-free work will be accepted
• Each submission must meet the specific guidelines for its category

Program Dates

Application open: Currently open
Deadline: July 25, 2025
Program results: Winners will be notified after the evaluation phase (exact date not stated)

Program Coverage/ Benefits
Funding status: Paid opportunity with cash prizes
Cash prize:

• $500 Grand Prize for the overall winner
• Three “Best in Class” honorable mentions (one from each category)
  Other benefits:
• Winners’ work will be published
• Biographical features for top participants
• Certificates of Achievement for winners
• Access to the ChallengeUS Future Leaders Network

Note: There are no application or registration fees.

Required Documents

• Written or recorded submission (Creative Writing, Analytical Writing, or Speech)
• Must follow formatting and originality guidelines
• Submission must directly address the prompt topic

Application Process

• Select your desired submission category (or categories)
• Prepare your entry according to the guidelines
• Submit your work via the official application portal before the deadline

Important/Additional Information

• You may enter more than one category
• Ensure your work is original and not AI-assisted
• Use personal stories and thoughtful reasoning in your submissions
  Limitations:
• No AI-generated or plagiarized content allowed (leads to disqualification)
• First-place winners of previous ChallengeUS competitions are not eligible to win again