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Youth Arts & Innovation Competitions

Theme: Inspiring Hope, Changing Lives

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Visual Arts

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Spoken Word

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Innovation

Visual Arts

RULES & GUIDELINES:

Open to all high school students in the USA
Entries may include painting, drawing, etching, digital art, photography or mixed media
Deadline: February 1, 2026

Submissions must include:

  • High resolution image of the artwork
  • Caption describing how it relates to the theme
  • Video presenting what inspired their artwork

Deadline: Febrary 1, 2026

AWARDS

  • First Place: $500
  • Second Place: $300
  • Third Place: $200


JUDGING CRITERIA

  • Illustration of the theme
  • Creativity and originality
  • Technique
  • Overall Presentation

Need Inspiration? See Past Visual Art Winners:

Youth Ambassadors Visual Art Competition Winners

All submissions will become the property of the Aga Khan Foundation USA, and in addition to planned exhibitions, may be displayed publicly (e.g. AKFUSA website, social media, and at sponsored events).


Please note: We are no longer accepting submissions for the 2026 competition.

Spoken Word

RULES & GUIDELINES:

Open to all high school students in the USA
Entries may include creative writing, poetry, short stories, song lyrics, monologue, etc.
Deadline: February 1, 2026

Submissions must include:

  • Video presentation by the participant
  • Document containing the script
  • Short caption on what inspired their piece

Deadline: February 1, 2026

AWARDS

  • First Place: $500
  • Second Place: $300
  • Third Place: $200


JUDGING CRITERIA

  • Illustration of the theme
  • Creativity and originality
  • Technique
  • Overall Presentation

Need Inspiration? See Past Spoken Word Winners:

All submissions will become the property of the Aga Khan Foundation USA, and in addition to planned exhibitions, may be displayed publicly (e.g. AKFUSA website, social media, and at sponsored events).

Please note: We are no longer accepting submissions for the 2026 competition.

Innovation

RULES & GUIDELINES:

Open to all high school students in the USA
Teams of 2 or more participants
Entries must assess a real-world issue faced by a community in need

Entries must include a 5–7-minute video and a slide presentation submitted electronically by March 2nd, 2026
Final on-site team presentation to a panel of judges at the Youth Festival in spring 2026

AWARDS

  • First Place: $500
  • Second Place: $300
  • Third Place: $200

JUDGING CRITERIA

  • Originality of idea
  • Impact on the community
  • Implementation feasibility
  • Sustainability
  • Overall presentation
A young man stands next to a presentation board and prototype of an innovation

All submissions will become the property of the Aga Khan Foundation USA, and in addition to planned exhibitions, may be displayed publicly (e.g. AKFUSA website, social media, and at sponsored events).

Please note: We are no longer accepting submissions for the 2026 competition.

Learn More about the AKF USA Youth Ambassadors

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