International Baccalaureate Introduces First Community Inspiration Award to Celebrate Global Changemakers

IB Launches Global Award to Celebrate Community Impact

The Hague, Netherlands – The International Baccalaureate (IB) has announced the creation of the Community Inspiration Award, a new initiative designed to honor individuals who substantially advance the organization’s educational mission. the announcement occurred during the IB Global Conference, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s 57-year history.

Recognizing Excellence Across Global Regions

Beginning in 2026, the annual Award will acknowledge three recipients, each representing one of the IB’s core regions: Asia-Pacific (APAC), the Americas, and Africa, Europe, and the Middle East (EMEA). This structured approach ensures broad geographical portrayal and celebrates diverse contributions to the IB community.

Award Criteria and Nomination Details

The judging process will center around four key criteria that embody the core values of the IB: effective use of voice, demonstrable impact, commitment to innovation, and the embodiment of shared humanity. Nominations are currently being accepted until November 14, 2025, and are open to a wide range of participants including students, alumni, educators, and parents connected to IB schools or networks.

Did You Know? The IB currently supports over two million students in more than 6,000 schools across 160 countries, making it a truly global educational force.

IB’s Commitment to Global Education

For decades, The International Baccalaureate has been dedicated to fostering international understanding and critical thinking skills. This new Award formalises the organisation’s long-standing commitment to acknowledging the dedication of individuals who embody these ideals.The IB’s programs aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Stefanie Leong,Head of Development and Recognition for the IB in the Asia-Pacific region,highlighted the importance of recognising the contributions of community members,stating that their work is crucial in shaping the future of the IB and driving positive change.

Region	Award Recipient	Announcement Location	Announcement Date
Asia-Pacific (APAC)	To Be Announced	Asia-Pacific IB Global Conference	March 2026
Americas	To Be Announced	Regional IB Global Conference	2026
Africa, Europe & Middle East (EMEA)	To Be Announced	Regional IB Global Conference	2026

Pro Tip: Nominating a deserving individual is a powerful way to acknowledge their contributions and inspire others within the IB community. Don’t miss the November 14, 2025 deadline!

What qualities do you believe are moast crucial in individuals who are making a positive impact on global education? And how can educational institutions better support and celebrate these contributions?

The Growing Importance of International Education

In an increasingly interconnected world, the value of international education continues to rise. Programs like those offered by the IB are designed to cultivate global citizens who possess the skills and understanding necessary to address complex challenges. According to recent data from the Council on Global Education, demand for international curricula has increased by 15% in the last five years.

Frequently Asked Questions about the IB Community Inspiration Award

• What is the IB Community Inspiration Award? It’s a new annual award from the International Baccalaureate recognizing individuals who significantly contribute to the IB’s mission.
• Who is eligible for nomination? Individuals connected to the IB community, including students, alumni, educators, and parents are eligible.
• What are the key criteria for selection? Nominees will be evaluated on their use of voice, impact, innovation, and shared humanity.
• When is the nomination deadline? The deadline for submitting nominations is November 14, 2025.
• Where will the award recipients be honoured? Recipients will be honoured at IB Global Conferences within their respective regions.
• What is the history of the International Baccalaureate? Founded in 1968, the IB has become a leading force in international education, serving over two million students globally.
• Where can I find more details about the IB? Visit the official IB website at www.ibo.org.

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How does the Community Inspiration Award differ from traditional academic awards?

international Baccalaureate Introduces First Community Inspiration Award too Celebrate Global Changemakers

Recognizing Impact Beyond the classroom: The New Award

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has announced its inaugural Community inspiration Award, a significant step in acknowledging and celebrating students who demonstrate a commitment to positive social impact. This new initiative, launched in October 2025, moves beyond traditional academic achievement to spotlight the power of student-led initiatives, community engagement, and global citizenship.The award aims to foster a generation of changemakers equipped to tackle complex global challenges.

Award Criteria & Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

The Community Inspiration Award isn’t about perfect grades; it’s about demonstrable action.Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria:

* Impactful Project: Students must have led or significantly contributed to a project addressing a real-world community need. This could range from environmental sustainability efforts to social justice advocacy or initiatives supporting vulnerable populations.

* IB Learner Profile: Projects will be evaluated based on how they embody the IB Learner Profile attributes – inquirers, knowledge seekers, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.

* sustainability & Scalability: the IB will prioritize projects demonstrating long-term sustainability and potential for scalability, meaning the initiative could be replicated in other communities.

* Eligibility: The award is open to all students currently enrolled in an IB program – diploma Program (DP), Career-related Programme (CP), and Middle Years Programme (MYP) – across participating schools worldwide. Students must be nominated by their school.

The Selection Process: A Multi-Stage Evaluation

The selection process is designed to be rigorous and fair, ensuring the most deserving students are recognized.

1. School Nomination: Schools nominate students based on their demonstrated commitment to community service and impactful projects.
2. Regional Review: A regional committee comprised of IB educators and community leaders reviews nominations, selecting finalists from each region.
3. Global Judging Panel: A global panel of experts, including prominent social entrepreneurs, IB alumni, and educational leaders, makes the final award decisions.
4. award Ceremony: Winners will be celebrated at a dedicated ceremony, with opportunities for networking and mentorship.

Benefits of Winning the Community Inspiration Award

beyond the prestige of the award, winners will receive:

* Financial Support: A grant to further develop and expand their community project. The grant amount varies depending on the project’s scope and needs.

* Mentorship Opportunities: Access to mentorship from experienced social impact leaders and industry professionals.

* global Recognition: Public acknowledgement of their work through the IB’s global communication channels, including the IB website, social media, and press releases. This provides valuable exposure for their project and can attract further support.

* Networking Opportunities: Connections with a network of like-minded young leaders and changemakers from around the world.

real-World Examples of IB Student impact

The IB has a long history of fostering students who go on to make a difference. here are a few examples of impactful student initiatives:

* Enduring Agriculture in Kenya: An MYP student in Kenya established a school garden and trained local farmers in sustainable agricultural practices, improving food security in their community.

* Mental Health Awareness Campaign: A DP student in Canada launched a peer-to-peer mental health awareness campaign, reducing stigma and increasing access to support services within their school.

* Ocean Plastic Recycling Initiative: A CP student in Indonesia developed a system for collecting and recycling ocean plastic, creating economic opportunities for local communities and protecting marine ecosystems.

How Schools Can Prepare Students for Nomination

Schools play a crucial role in identifying and supporting students with impactful community projects. Here are some practical tips:

* Promote Community engagement: Encourage students to participate in service-learning opportunities and volunteer activities.

* Integrate Social Impact into Curriculum: Incorporate projects that address real-world problems into the curriculum, allowing students to apply their learning to make a difference.

* Provide Mentorship & Guidance: Offer mentorship and guidance to students developing community projects, helping them refine their ideas and develop a sustainable plan.

* Streamline the Nomination Process: Make the nomination process clear and accessible for both students and teachers.

The Future of the award & IB’s commitment to Social Impact

The Community Inspiration Award represents a significant investment in the future of social innovation. The IB plans to expand the award program in the coming years, increasing the number of winners and providing even more resources to support student-led initiatives. This initiative underscores the IB’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically prosperous but also passionate about creating a more just and sustainable world.The focus on global challenges and community solutions positions the IB as a leader in education for social obligation.