New report captures the impact of 10 years of BeChangeMaker

Over 10 years, BeChangeMaker has helped 914 young social entrepreneurs, been supported by 661 mentors, and awarded EUR 69,000 in prizes. A new Impact Report from WorldSkills International and the HP Foundation brings together participant data and testimonies from 10 global editions and three African editions. Its findings show that young people are capable of tackling today’s social and environmental challenges when given both opportunity and support.

“Since its launch in 2017, BeChangeMaker has supported hundreds of aspiring social entrepreneurs worldwide. Each participant represents a story of lives changed, communities strengthened, and new pathways to innovation and economic inclusion, all made possible by our shared vision with WorldSkills. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far, and we are even more excited for what the future holds as we continue this work, side by side with our dedicated partners, participants, and volunteers,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact, HP Inc., and Executive Director, HP Foundation.

BeChangeMaker helps aspiring social entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities, transform their ideas into viable businesses. Each year, 30 teams from across the globe were selected for a three-month online programme of free training, customized coaching, expert mentorship, and more than 30 courses from HP LIFE, the HP Foundation’s free business and digital skills training programme. Together, these removed barriers and connected changemakers to critical resources. Through successive rounds of online pitches, five teams progressed to the pitch finale, where their ideas were judged in front of participants at the General Assembly or the WorldSkills Conference.

The report found that BeChangeMaker delivers strong short-term impact for both participants and mentors. Teams said the programme helped them move from ideas to early execution and build practical entrepreneurial competence. An alumni survey showed significant benefits in personal and professional growth, competence, agency, connectedness, and entrepreneurship. Mentors reported increased confidence, professional growth, and global awareness.

Since 2017, BeChangeMaker has grown from a pilot in eight countries and regions into a global programme spanning all continents, with the strongest participation from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It has received 5,590 applications and supported more than 350 teams, working across eight areas: agriculture, civic participation, climate, economic empowerment, education, equity, health, and technology. This focus reflects a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, regional priorities, and equitable innovation.

The Impact Report captures both the cumulative reach of BeChangeMaker and the depth of change among young innovators. It combines existing data from surveys and registration forms with in-depth interviews with recent alumni, mentors, and programme leaders.

Partnerships have been central to the programme’s success. Developed jointly by WorldSkills and the HP Foundation, BeChangeMaker has been supported by PEN Worldwide, UNESCO-UNEVOC, UNIDO, World YMCA, and the Yunus Environment Hub.

“The growth of BeChangeMaker is the result of many partners who share our belief in skills and in the potential of young people. We especially thank the HP Foundation, our inception partner, whose commitment has shaped the programme from day one. We are also grateful to all the partners over the last 10 years who elevated the programme with their knowledge and expertise,” said David Hoey, CEO, WorldSkills International. He added that the programme would not have achieved this reach without WorldSkills Members and activation partners, who promoted it across their extensive and diverse networks.

WorldSkills Conference 2026 in Shanghai marked a new chapter for BeChangeMaker, as WorldSkills passed stewardship of the programme to YMCA Europe. The programme will continue in collaboration with Founderscope, the HP Foundation, and UNESCO-UNEVOC.

Read the full BeChangeMaker Impact Report.