Celebrating Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact: Empowering the Next Generation of Global Changemakers
On Wednesday, May 21st, the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky proudly hosted its second annual Global Impact Celebration, honoring the incredible students who are turning glocal (think global, act local) ideas into real-world action through the Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact grant. The purpose of this grant is to encourage local students to develop and carry out a project related to the UN Global Goals that benefits their community. This year, SIX grants were awarded for $1000.
Building on the momentum of our inaugural event in 2024—where we paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Richard I. Lauf—this year’s celebration was a reminder of the potential within our youth to drive change in their community. The evening showcased student-led projects that tackled challenges in their schools and neighborhoods all while fostering a broader global awareness and sense of responsibility.
We were thrilled to recognize and congratulate the 2025 Youth Leaders for Glocal Impact Grant recipients:
- Anderson Earth Day Fair – Anderson High School & Anderson Township (Forest Hills School District)
A vibrant celebration of sustainability that brought the community together to learn and act for the planet. - Community Cleanup – Gilbert Dater High School (Cincinnati Public Schools)
A student-led initiative focused on environmental stewardship and neighborhood pride through collective action. - Cavalier Scholars: International Food Exploration – Purcell Marian High School
Using food as a cultural bridge, this project encouraged students to explore and celebrate global diversity through cuisine. - Compostable Containers in Our Cafeteria – Saint Ursula Academy
A tangible step toward waste reduction and sustainability through student-driven policy and cafeteria reform. - Pages for Progress – Xavier Jesuit Academy (XJA) & St. Xavier High School
Promoting literacy and cross-cultural understanding by creating and distributing books with global themes. - Painting for Peace and Justice – Winton Woods High School (Winton Woods City Schools)
Harnessing the power of art to promote equity, dialogue, and social justice within the community.
We are deeply grateful to all who joined us for this year’s celebration. Most importantly, we’re proud of the young leaders who remind us that meaningful change starts right here at home.
