Congratulations to the 2025 winners and special mentions of the SIMA Changemaker Award: Educators Adelyn Chin (SMK Takis Papar, Malaysia); Syeda Munazza Bukhari (Dream2Rise Initiative, Pakistan) & Students: Gaurjan Sharma (India) and Akhil Konduri (Kuwait)

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Winners announced every December!
Submit by November 30 to be considered for this year’s awards.

ABOUT THE SIMA CHANGEMAKER AWARD

The SIMA Changemaker Award honors community leaders, educators, and students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing positive change through creative projects and community initiatives. This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals who embody the values of leadership, global citizenship, and social responsibility—inspiring others to take meaningful action for a more just and connected world

WHO WE HONOR

Students and community leaders who have used SIMA films as inspiration for their impact projects whether through SIMA Film Clubs, Group Activities, Lessons or SDG Challenges.
Educators who leverage SIMA Academy’s resources to foster global awareness, critical thinking, and the leadership skills of the next generation of changemakers.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible you must have used the inspiration from a SIMA Academy film to design and implement an impact project within your school, organization or community. NOTE: Submit only one application per year.

Entry Project Categories
Applicants may submit projects in one or more of the following categories:

- Community and Outreach Projects – initiatives that foster dialogue, collaboration, or local action.
- Local and Global Campaigns – advocacy or awareness efforts addressing social, cultural, or environmental issues.
- Media and Mixed-Media Projects – creative works (visual, literary, or audio) that use storytelling to inspire engagement and change.

HOW TO APPLY

GLOBAL OPEN CALL
Submit your project through the year-round open call for entries.

General Submissions Entry Form

SIMA Partner 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 by leveraging SIMA Academy’s premium media resources and educational content. For Partner SDG Challenge entry forms, please refer to the Impact Report link provided by your administrator via email. Current active challenges include: MIS Solutionary Summit, SIMA India SDG Challenge, Lynn University Challenge

AWARDS AND JURY PRIZES

The WINNERS of the SIMA Changemaker Award receive:

Year-round access to SIMA Academy
Impact Story featured on SIMA Academy, editorial and social platforms
SIMA Changemaker School/ Institution Certificate
Global Citizenship Foundation Certificate
Speaking Opportunities:
- Speaker Session at the International Conference on Transformative Education hosted by the Global Citizenship Foundation.
- Guest Appearance on GCED Podcasts

Sponsored Jury Prizes: Mentorship and Professional Development opportunities:
- Winning educators receives a $500 GEEO Teacher Travel Scholarship to travel on the GEEO program of their choice
- Winning students receives a 3-session 1:1 virtual mentorship about the power of purpose and global impact storytelling to create positive change in the world.