YMCA Changemakers Project

The YMCA Changemakers program is a national youth leadership and civic engagement initiative that empowers high school students to identify community needs and develop projects that create meaningful change.

Projects may address any issue or need, but must have a direct connection to the students’ local community. Issues of national or global importance are welcome, provided the project has a specific local focus.

Each project must be led by two student Project Leaders. Additional students are encouraged to support the project, but only two students may apply as leaders.

Forty teams of two students will be selected to attend the national YMCA Changemakers Conference in Washington, D.C., in June. All travel and conference expenses for the two Project Leaders and a YMCA staff chaperone from their community or state will be covered.

At the conference, each team will present its proposal. Attendees will select three winning teams, each receiving $5,000 to implement their project.

Applications for the 2027 event will open in January.