Young Leaders in Civic Engagement

Evaluation Criteria

All projects will be evaluated using the following four criteria. While the issues addressed may vary widely, evaluation will focus on how each project was carried out, who it engaged, and how effectively it achieved its intended goals. Each project will also be understood in context, based on its strategy and level of planning complexity.

1. Scope and Implementation

This criterion assesses how well the project was planned and executed. Judges will consider:

• Clarity and relevance of goals and objectives
• Strategic use of time, people, and resources
• Evidence of adaptability in the face of challenges
• Overall effectiveness and alignment of activities with intended outcomes

To better contextualize evaluation, projects will be categorized by complexity and planning type:

• Single-Event Projects – Projects centered around one primary activity, possibly repeated in different settings (e.g., multiple visits or drives of the same kind)
• Multi-Event Projects – Multiple distinct but related events or actions supporting a unified goal (e.g., a workshop, a fundraiser, and a community clean-up all promoting environmental awareness)
• Partnership-Driven Projects – Projects involving formal collaboration with external organizations or networks

2. Diversity and Inclusion

This criterion evaluates the depth and authenticity of engagement with people from diverse backgrounds. Diversity can be reflected in:

• The composition of the project team (e.g., involving members of different ethnic, religious, or cultural identities)
• The project’s beneficiaries or target audience
• Activities that fostered meaningful intercultural or intergenerational exchange

Projects will be assessed not on token representation, but on how intentionally and meaningfully they promoted inclusion and connection across differences.

3. Societal Impact

This criterion measures how the project contributed to addressing a community need or improving a social condition. Evaluation will consider:

• The number of people reached or affected (directly or indirectly)
• The depth, relevance, or sustainability of the change created
• Use of both quantitative data and qualitative insights to demonstrate results

Projects will also be considered through their strategy or engagement model:

• Awareness & Advocacy Campaigns – Aimed at informing, persuading, or shifting public attitudes
• Direct Service & Support – Providing tangible aid, interactive services, or hands-on assistance
• Resource Mobilization – Gathering or distributing materials, funds, or volunteer time
• Relationship-Building & Dialogue – Creating opportunities for shared experiences, especially across generations or cultures

4. Presentation and Communication
   This criterion assesses the quality, clarity, and completeness of the slide-based project submission. Judges will look for:

• A coherent and logically organized flow across the slide deck
• Complete and well-developed responses to all required slide prompts
• Effective use of visuals, text, and data to illustrate the project’s goals, activities, and outcomes
• Clear storytelling that highlights both the process and the impact of the project

A strong slide presentation helps ensure that the project’s significance is effectively communicated to judges and the wider audience.

For any questions, please contact our team at [email protected]