2024 applications are now open

Congratulations to the 2023 Changemaker Award Winners

The SIMA Changemaker Award celebrates outstanding educators and students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative projects and impactful initiatives within their schools and communities. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of global citizenship and social responsibility, inspiring others to take action for a better world.

WHO WE HONOR

Students and young leaders who have used SIMA’s social impact films as inspiration for their own creative projects.
Educators who have leveraged SIMA resources to foster global competencies and inspire the next generation of changemakers.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be an educator, student, or leader who has been inspired by a SIMA Academy film to implement an impact project in their community or school.
An educator or student who has participated in the SIMA Partner SDG Challenge
Apply once annually.

Entry Project Categories include:

Community and outreach projects
Local and global campaigns
Media and mixed media projects (visual, literal, and audio)

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants have two pathways to apply:

General Submission: Submit your application through the year-round general open call for entries.
- General Submissions Entry Form
SIMA Partner SDG Challenge: Participate in one of our active partner challenges. Currently, there are three active challenges: *
- MIS Solutionary Summit
- SIMA India SDG Challenge
- Lynn University

*For entry forms of SIMA Partner SDG Challenges, see the “Impact Report” link emailed to you by your administrator.

ABOUT THE SIMA SDG CHALLENGE

The SIMA SDG Challenge is a comprehensive academic impact initiative designed to empower educators to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within their schools and communities. Leveraging SIMA Academy’s premium media resources and educational content, teachers can empower their students with the skills, confidence, and mindsets to drive meaningful change. SIMA Partner SDG Challenges are customized global initiatives, including specialized bonus resources, custom prizes, workshops, and professional development opportunities. Contact us to become a partner.

AWARDS AND JURY PRIZES

The WINNERS of the Educator and Student Changemaker Award receive:

Year-round access to SIMA Academy
Impact Story Features on SIMA Academy and social media platforms
Sponsored Jury Prizes: Mentorship and Professional Development opportunities:
- The winning educator receives a $500 GEEO Teacher Travel Scholarship to travel on the GEEO program of their choice.
- The winning student receives a 3-session 1:1 virtual mentorship about the power of purpose, authenticity and global impact storytelling to create positive change in the world.

Additional Custom Prizes for Winners of active SIMA Partner SDG Challenges include:

Special Student Guest at the Learning Design Podcast hosted by Tim
Student Feature on the IB Festival of Hope website
GEEO Teacher Travel Scholarships
Teacher Speaker Session at the 2025 INT Conference hosted by the Global Citizenship Foundation
Schoolwide access to SIMA Academy for all faculty and students
SIMA Changemaker School Certificate
Global Citizenship Foundation Student Certificate

TIMELINE

For SIMA Partner SDG Challenges deadlines vary. Please refer to the information provided by your administrator or contact us.
General Submissions can be entered year-round. Winners are announced in December of each year. Submissions received after November 1st of each year will be considered for the following year.

JOIN US

The SIMA Changemaker Award is more than a recognition; it’s a celebration of those who lead by example, demonstrating the power of media and education to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and transform lives and communities.