I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change
₹50,000 Cash Prize
I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change is a competition by Design for Change India for students in Class 3–12, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
Online
Eligibility
Class 3–12
Fee
Free
Duration
Flexible, project-based, typically spanning a few weeks to months for project development and submission.
Format
Both · Teams of 5
Time needed
Varies based on project scope and complexity, requiring dedicated time for research, planning, execution, and documentation.
About This Opportunity
The I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change India is an annual national initiative that empowers young individuals to become agents of change. Participants are guided through the FIDS framework—Feel, Imagine, Do, Share—to identify local issues, brainstorm innovative solutions, implement their ideas, and share their impactful stories with the world.
This challenge aims to instill an "I CAN" mindset, encouraging children to believe that positive change is achievable through their actions.
This challenge is open to students across India, primarily targeting those aged 8 to 18 years, typically from classes 3 to 12. While a core team of 5 students is recommended for each project, there is no limit to the number of project submissions a school can make. The program is designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants who may be older or younger than the recommended age group, with a note to mention this in their submission.
Participants gain crucial 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and leadership, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Winning projects receive significant recognition, including cash prizes and the opportunity for one team to represent India at the global Be The Change (BTC) conference. All participants develop practical skills and a sense of agency, contributing to their personal growth and community development.
The challenge emphasizes creating projects that are creative, bold, long-lasting, easily replicable, and have a quick impact. Schools are encouraged to implement the FIDS framework in every class to provide all students with problem-solving opportunities. Submissions can be made as photo stories or video stories through the dedicated Challenge portal.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 3–12
- Age Range
- 8 - 18 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
Open to all school students.
Additional requirements
- Participants should be enrolled in a school in India.
- Younger or older students may participate, with a note in their submission explaining their age.
Open to students aged 8-18 years (classes 3-12) enrolled in schools across India. Younger or older students may participate with a mention in their submission. No specific academic requirements, prerequisites, or financial criteria. Participation is nationwide.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The challenge is based on the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) framework, a simplified design thinking methodology. Comprehensive resources, including detailed lesson plans and animated explainer videos, are available in multiple languages to guide participants through each step of the project development process.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹50,000
Cash prizes up to ₹50,000 will be awarded to winning projects. Specific prize amounts for different categories will be announced by Design for Change India.
Prizes
Global Conference Opportunity
One winning team will earn the prestigious opportunity to represent India at the global Be The Change (BTC) conference, gaining international exposure and networking.
Certificate
Participation Certificate
Participation certificates will be provided to all students who successfully submit their projects, recognizing their effort and engagement in the challenge.
Opens doors to
Participation and achievement in the I CAN School Challenge provide students with a strong portfolio of practical experience and demonstrated 21st-century skills, significantly enhancing their applications for higher education programs in various fields.
Recognition
National & International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- Utilizes the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) design thinking framework.
- Focuses on empowering children to drive real-world change.
- Offers a platform for national and international recognition.
- Promotes 21st-century skills aligned with NEP 2020.
- Free to participate, making it accessible to all schools.
Rounds & format
Phase 1: Initial evaluation of submitted projects. Phase 2: Further evaluation by a three-member jury panel consisting of a teacher, a design expert, and a student.
How entries are judged
Projects are judged based on their adherence to the FIDS framework, creativity, impact, replicability, and overall presentation of the 'Story of Change'.
Selection process
Projects are selected based on their innovation, impact, and effective application of the FIDS framework. The top 100 most inspiring stories are shortlisted nationally.
How to apply
- 1Register on the official I CAN School Challenge portal.
- 2Develop a project using the FIDS (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share) framework.
- 3Prepare a 'Story of Change' as either a photo story (4 photographs for each FIDS step) or a video story (up to 3 minutes, uploaded to YouTube).
- 4Submit the photo story or video link through the dedicated Challenge portal.
How to prepare
- DFC Toolkit with design framework and teacher tips.
- Seven-day lesson plans available in 11 languages.
- FIDS animated explainer videos for each step (Feel, Imagine, Do, Share).
- Jury videos explaining what makes a good 'Story of Change'.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
Participation in the I CAN School Challenge is completely free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all interested students and schools across India.
Frequently asked questions
Is I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change ?
Students in Class 3–12. children aged 8-18.
What will my child gain from I CAN School Challenge by Design for Change ?
Opportunity to win cash prizes up to ₹50,000.. One winning team represents India at the global Be The Change (BTC) conference.. Develops critical 21st-century skills like problem-solving, creativity, and leadership.. Gain national-level recognition for impactful projects.. Receive certificates for participation.. Learn and apply the award-winning FIDS design thinking framework.. Contribute to real-world change in their communities.. Gain national and international recognition for impactful projects.. Receive participation certificates from Design for Change India.. Enhances applications for higher education programs..
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