The University of Evansville is proud to host the High School Changemaker Challenge, once again made possible by our generous partners at Toyota. Any high school sophomore, junior, or senior who can be present for the in-person event can compete to win a four-year, full tuition scholarship to the University of Evansville by submitting their idea to make the world a better place.

In-Person Competition
January 24-25, 2025
Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center
University of Evansville

Register Here
Upload your 2-minute video here and complete the registration form.

How will you Change the World?

The University of Evansville’s Changemaker Challenge motivates local high schoolers to use innovation and creativity to solve challenges in the world around them.

Your idea to make the world a better place could win you full tuition to the University of Evansville where we will join you to make your idea happen!

Competition Event

This event will be a celebration of all the incredible changemakers who are competing. There will be time for networking and collaboration as we all work together to make the world a better place.

Top 20 teams will compete on Friday evening, followed by a dance for all competitors where the Top 6 teams will be announced. Saturday afternoon, the Top 6 teams will compete again. The top three teams will be awarded during a gala celebration of all Changemaker Challenge competitors.

Prizes

The winning students who choose UE as their college destination will receive the following scholarships*:

*Students eligible for more than one UE scholarship will receive the one of highest value.
†Students winning first place will not pay any tuition out of pocket for four years. Winners are required to live on campus as part of a cohort, remain consistently enrolled full-time each semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree, and display progress toward fulfilling their Changemaker Challenge project goals. UE admission requirements apply.

Support

All competitors may receive FREE training from UE’s Center for Innovation & Change as well as connection to faculty experts.

Eligibility

• Any high school sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Individual or team entries allowed (teams can be up to three people).
• No limits on number of entries from a school.
• Home school and club entries are also allowed (Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, 4-H, etc.).
• Able to attend the January 24 and 25 Final rounds in Evansville, Indiana. If you can get to UE on these dates (from anywhere), you can compete!

SPECIAL BONUS CATEGORIES: All ideas are welcome! Special bonus points may be available if your idea fits one of these four categories:

1. Increases girls' access and exposure to science fields (Example: a summer camp on UE's campus for girls interested in physics).
2. Works to address or mitigate climate change in our region (Example: decreasing air pollution, more rooftop gardens, etc.).
3. Increases access to physical activity or health options (Example: more dance classes in schools, more recesses, more parks or green spaces, fitness trails, more smoothie bars, creative outdoor play options, etc.).
4. Provides creative ideas that improve quality of life in Evansville’s Promise Neighborhood.
   The Promise Neighborhood is a $30 million federal grant program through the United States Department of Education and coordinated through the University of Evansville. The aim of the funding is to assist children and youth who are growing up in Promise Neighborhoods, providing them with access to outstanding schools as well as robust family and community support systems. These resources will help prepare them to achieve academic excellence, make the transition to college, and, ultimately, embark on a successful career. Visit the Evansville Promise Neighborhood web page for all the details!