The Learning to Be Heard – Global Public Speaking Challenge is a free virtual speaking competition run by TED Summer School, a partnership between TED and Immerse Education. The challenge invites high school students aged 14-18 from around the world to articulate an idea they believe deserves global attention in a one-minute video. The competition is designed for both beginners and more confident speakers, requiring no formal public speaking experience to participate.
Submissions are evaluated on the clarity, originality, and impact of the idea presented, as well as personal reflection, rather than polished presentation skills. Winners receive full or partial scholarships to attend TED Summer School in summer 2027, with in-person programmes available in London, New York, Singapore and Sydney, as well as a virtual programme option. The challenge serves as an accessible entry point for young people to develop their public speaking and communication abilities while sharing ideas that matter to them.
Current challenge checked November 4, 2026: The official page now asks entrants to consider what change 100 years from now would excite them most, and why. Submit an English video up to one minute with one or two written explanatory sentences by January 10, 2027 at 23:59 UK time. No proficiency threshold is required. AI may assist research or spelling/grammar, but the script and written entry must be the student’s own words.
Results are scheduled for January 25 and scholarship redemption for February 10; no precise cutoff time is given for redemption. Awards can support 2027 in-person courses in London, New York, Singapore or Sydney, or virtual courses. In-person courses require ages 15–18; entrants who will be 14 can use a scholarship for virtual study. Competition application dates do not describe attendance at the summer courses.