Apply for the Global Changemakers Media Impact Academy 2026/2027 - a free 90-day U.S. programme for ages 18 - 24 with up to $205 in cash incentives and a chance at $1,000 project grants.
The Media Impact Academy is a nationwide initiative aiming to engage 500 youth across the United States. Powered by the Univision Foundation, Wells Fargo, Global Changemakers, and Another Awesome Day, it combines practical financial skills, project-management training, and mobile storytelling so young adults can strengthen money habits and drive community impact.
Enrollment is open now (registration window through December 2026). The programme is virtual and self-paced, with weekly live mentorship. A key completion window for the savings-retention survey runs 28 March - 2 April 2027. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official Global Changemakers materials. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - Global Changemakers Media Impact Academy 2026/2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisers | Global Changemakers × Univision Foundation × Wells Fargo × Another Awesome Day |
| Host Landmark | United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 |
| Format | Virtual, self-paced 90-day challenge + weekly live office hours |
| Cohort size | Up to 500 youth nationwide |
| Age | 18 - 24 |
| Location | United States residents only |
| Cash incentives | Up to $205 via milestone payments into your savings account |
| Project grants | Compete for up to $1,000 to launch a community impact project |
| Enrollment | Open now through December 2026 |
| Completion survey window | 28 March - 2 April 2027 |
| Official Gateway | Media Impact Academy Student Enrollment (Luma) · Official programme page |
What You Gain
- Up to $205 in direct cash incentives as you hit financial-habit milestones
- Project-management training and certification on the Global Changemakers digital platform
- Media production and digital storytelling skills (smartphone-based - no pro camera needed)
- Eligibility to compete for $1,000 community project grants
- Weekly Friday open office hours with creative industry mentors
- Peer network via Telegram and access to the Global Changemakers Network
Programme Structure
- Enroll through the Global Changemakers / Luma enrollment page.
- Complete project-management coursework on the Global Changemakers platform (planning, execution, budgeting, impact measurement).
- Complete Wells Fargo financial education playbooks on the Saving Cents platform.
- Verify a personal savings account in your name at a bank that supports Zelle (Wells Fargo is recommended for low maintenance fees).
- Publish three educational videos on social media about your financial learnings, using required tags.
- Submit the completion survey and savings-retention documentation between 28 March and 2 April 2027.
- Optional: Apply for a Community Action Project grant with a short video proposal.
Social Media Tags (required for video milestones)
#MoneyMovesChallenge#MediaImpactAcademy#GlobalChangemakers
Weekly Mentorship Touchpoints
Drop into Friday Google Meet office hours (Eastern Time) for feedback on coursework, media drafts, and project plans:
- Morning: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
- Afternoon: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. ET
Exact Meet links are shared after enrollment on the official programme channels.
Eligibility
- Age 18 - 24
- Reside in the United States
- Access to a smartphone
- Able to open/maintain a savings account in your own name at a bank offering Zelle
- No college degree, journalism experience, or professional media equipment required
International applicants living outside the United States are not eligible for this cohort.
$1,000 Project Grants
Finalists submit a short video proposal explaining what they want to build, how funds will be used, and how the project aligns with community development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Selected projects receive funding plus network support; a limited number of projects are funded (historically about 10 per cycle - confirm current numbers on the official page).
How to Apply
- Read the programme overview on the official Media Impact Academy page.
- Register via the Student Enrollment (Luma) form while enrollment is open through December 2026.
- Complete project-management and Wells Fargo financial modules at your own pace.
- Set up your Zelle-enabled savings account and claim milestone incentives as instructed.
- Publish three tagged educational videos and finish the completion survey by 2 April 2027.
- If ready, submit a Community Action Project video proposal for grant consideration.
Official Links
Global Changemakers - Media Impact Academy (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program 2027
- Bipartisan Policy Center Internship Program - Spring 2027
- Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center YGP Spring 2027
- 33 Global Trainings, Awards and Travel Abroad - October 25, 2026
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a hard deadline?
Enrollment is open through December 2026. A key completion survey / savings-retention window runs 28 March - 2 April 2027. Apply and progress early so you can finish all milestones.
Is the programme free?
Yes. Participation is free. You can earn up to $205 in cash incentives and compete for up to $1,000 in project grants.
Who can join?
U.S.-based young adults aged 18 - 24 with a smartphone and a personal Zelle-enabled savings account. No degree or journalism background required.
Do I need a professional camera?
No. A smartphone is enough for the storytelling and social media milestones.
Where do I enroll?
Through the Luma Student Enrollment linked from the official Media Impact Academy page.
