Applications are now open for the 2024 Bertha Center Youth Innovation Prize. Entrants with the most promising essays will receive coaching and mentorship from communication and social innovation experts.
About Bertha Center Youth Innovation Prize for Young South Africans
The YIP is more than a competition: it’s a development opportunity. Entrants with the most promising essays will receive coaching and mentorship from our communication and social innovation experts. This support will help take your essay – along with your thinking and communication skills – to the next level.
How the competition works
- Stage 1: Competition open for entries
- Stage 2: Mentorship and development for top entries
- Stage 3: Round two for top-entry submissions
- Stage 4: Winners chosen
- Stage 5: Prizegiving
Benefits of Bertha Center Youth Innovation Prize for Young South Africans
- Shortlisted entrants will also gain exposure to the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UCT, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Douglas Knowledge Partners and other organisations in our network, all of whom are interested in engaging with talented young people. T
- his exposure could open the door to job opportunities, freelance roles or further study – as it has for many of our finalists and winners in the past.
- The winning entry this year will receive a R10,000 cash prize, and second- and third-place entries will each receive a R5,000 cash prize.
Bertha Center Youth Innovation Prize for Young South Africans Requirments
This competition is for individuals who:
- are curious and want to learn, grow and challenge themselves.
- are eager to develop or deepen their thinking and communication skills.
- are passionate about their ideas for social change and development.
- There are no academic requirements for participation and entrants can come from any sector and field, provided they meet the minimum eligibility criteria listed below:
- You are aged between 18 and 30 years (turning 18 up to 30 during 2024).
- You live in South Africa.
- You may not enter if you have previously been a finalist in the YIP.
Application Date and Process
- Entries can be submitted from 26 July until 18 October 2024.
- You will be required to enter your details when signing up, after which you will receive an email from us to which, on reply, you can attach your proof of ID and your entry, in one of the following formats:
A written essay of between 1,500 to 2,000 words in Word format (template provided)
- A video or an audio essay of between 5 to 8 minutes in length (WeTransfer to [email protected])
Application Deadline
18 October, 2024
Scholarship Application Portal
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Bertha Center Youth Innovation Prize for Young South Africans
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