University of Evansville to Host 11th Annual High School Changemaker Challenge

Evansville, Ind. (10/06/2026) — The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce the upcoming 11th annual High School Changemaker Challenge, made possible by Toyota Indiana and administered by the Center for Innovation & Change (CIC). Any high school sophomore, junior, or senior is invited to participate for a chance to win a four-year scholarship to UE, with the top prize offering full tuition.

UE's High School Changemaker Challenge encourages the next generation to identify and solve challenges in the world through innovation and creativity. Students share their unique ideas, products, services, or programs, in whatever format best communicates their vision, including video, audio, art, essays, and more.

"This competition has become something the whole community looks forward to," said Erin Lewis, executive director of the CIC. "Students connect, think creatively, and propose solutions to challenges they see in their communities. It's exactly how we should be empowering the next generation."

The 2027 High School Changemaker Challenge will officially kick off with an in-person event at Innovation Pointe in Downtown Evansville on October 16, beginning at 4 p.m. This event will provide students with an opportunity to learn more about the competition, connect with others, and begin developing their ideas.

Students must submit their ideas by December 4, 2026. The Top 20 teams will be announced on December 11. The competition will take place in two rounds on Friday, January 29, 2027, at the University of Evansville. Top 20 teams will compete during the day followed by a break while scores are tallied before the Top 6 teams are announced. The Championship Round will take place during a free dinner for all competitors and guests. The evening will culminate in an awards celebration and the announcement of the championship teams. Free tickets for the dinner are available on Eventbrite; search for UE Changemaker Challenge.

The competition is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, who may compete individually or in teams of up to three. Home school and club entries, including Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, 4-H, and similar organizations, are also eligible. To qualify for a scholarship, competitors must attend the in-person final rounds on the University of Evansville campus.

Increased Scholarship Awards

Winning students who choose the University of Evansville as their college destination will receive four-year scholarships as follows:

• 1st place: Full tuition
• 2nd place: $29,000 tuition scholarship
• 3rd place: $27,000 tuition scholarship
• 4th-6th place: $25,000 tuition scholarship

Students who participate receive ongoing support from the UE Center for Innovation & Change, including online training and connections to faculty experts, and are welcome on campus for mentoring work sessions. As UE students, they can continue designing and implementing their ideas to make a lasting difference in our flagship program, ChangeLab.

To register for the High School Changemaker Challenge, learn more about the October 16 kickoff, or submit an idea, visit evansville.edu/cc-hs or email Andrew Carter at ac116@evansville.edu.