Global Youth Challenge

The Global Youth Challenge (GYC) 2026 is an international student competition exploring the relationship between artificial intelligence and the future of work. Participants investigate local and global impacts of AI through interviews, research, essays and speeches. The competition ranks participants and awards the Top 16 finalists, Top 25% distinction certificates, and other prizes. Partner institutions offer entrance scholarships to top winners.

University of Toronto-Paul Pu Leadership Award: two scholarships each valued at approximately $2,500; University of Ottawa: one-time CAD 3,000 entrance scholarships to up to four winners; St. Clair College: CAD 3,000 entrance scholarships for top winners; Erindale Academy: one CAD 32,500 international entrance scholarship to a Top 16 winner and CAD 3,000 scholarships to three students among the Top 15%; Top 16 finalists receive Champion/Gold/Silver/Bronze awards; Top 25% receive Certificates of Distinction; all participants receive Certificates of Participation.

The competition invites students to participate; several listed scholarships are valid only for students who enroll in undergraduate programs at the named institutions and one scholarship is for students entering first-year full-time studies in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto.

Register via the competition's registration portal/competitor registration link on the official website.