Changemakers Academy at the University of Pennsylvania

Youth Programs

The Changemakers Academy is a three-day social impact hackathon delivered in partnership between the Center for Social Impact Strategy and AFS Intercultural Programs. The Changemakers Academy takes place at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, prior to the general Youth Assembly in New York City.

At the Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania, we believe that anyone, anywhere can create positive social impact – and we have the tools, training, and connections needed for the next generation of passionate leaders to create lasting social and environmental change.

The Changemakers Academy will introduce participants to some of the fundamental methods for creating and testing new ideas for social innovation, in the style of a team-based hackathon. Participants will collaborate in a small group and develop a plan for a prototype to key challenges, and present their projects at the culminating event.

Participants who choose this Academy can expect to push themselves outside of their creative comfort zones, and will leave with the skills and friendships to support a journey in pursuing positive social change – from the grassroots level, to large scale movement building. Delegates will gain a deeper understanding of the ethical foundations of social impact work, and creative tools for problem solving that they can apply in everyday situations.

Applications for next year’s cohort are coming soon! For questions about the upcoming Changemakers Academy email youthassembly@afs.org

Key Details

Start Date
August 5, 2025
Program Duration
August 5 – August 8, 2025
Meeting TImes
9 am – 6 pm
Certificate Award Ceremony
August 7, 2025, 4 pm
Applications for the general program are now open!
Apply here!

Get Tools You Can Use Immediately

Our immersive hackathon is designed to help you put your learning into practice right away, giving you access to tools, frameworks & resources that you can use in designing a new idea.

Earn Ivy League Credentials

Upon meeting all program requirements, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from the University of Pennsylvania.

Gain New Perspectives

This program will ask you to engage with the world around you in new and thoughtful ways. You’ll sharpen observational and creative skills like interviewing, prototyping, and gathering feedback on ideas.