Beijing

A New Generation of Changemakers: Welcoming the 2026 Fellowship For Change Cohort

May 12, 2026
ffc

The Columbia Global Center Beijing and the Qi Social Innovation Center, an Aspen Institute McNulty Catalyst Prize Winner, are delighted to welcome and congratulate the new 2026 Fellowship For Change (“FFC”) cohort of exceptional students.

Fellowship For Change (“FFC”) is a flagship initiative of the Qi Social Innovation Center, developed in collaboration with the Columbia Global Center Beijing. Alongside global programs such as the Mellon Fellowship for Emerging Scholars and the Obama Foundation Scholars Program, it reflects the Columbia Global Center’s role as a key platform for convening leaders of thought and industry pioneers.

Cohort 3 reflects the kind of leadership the world urgently needs—young people who are not only intellectually curious, but deeply committed to understanding and addressing complex challenges. Through programs like FFC, we are proud to support a new generation of changemakers who connect thinking with doing.

Helena Xiao, Deputy Director of the Columbia Global Center Beijing

FFC is a highly selective, one-year full scholarship program bringing together high school students from across China who are committed to creating meaningful change and becoming catalysts for a better future. The 2026 Fellows drawn from 11 cities, are a group of driven, compassionate, and curious young people working on issues ranging from environmental justice and educational equity to mental health, disability inclusion, and the preservation of cultural heritage. 

Youth lead the way for society, especially in times of uncertainty and rapid change. FFC ignites youth leadership; it supports the fellows to amplify their innovation and impact. I’m honored to be part of the fellows’ journey—they are my inspiration.

Dr.Qin Gao, Director of Columbia’s China Center for Social Policy

Throughout the program, each Fellow will be supported by a dedicated mentor and a close-knit peer community. More than a scholarship program, FFC is designed as a transformative experience that encourages students to deepen their understanding of social issues, sharpen their leadership, and prototype solutions through real-world engagement.

We don’t believe young people need to wait to make an impact. What they need is the right environment—one that cultivates moral clarity, courage, and grounded action. The FFC cohort model is built to enable this.

Jack Hsu, Columbia Global Center Beijing Advisory Board Member and Qi Center Founder

We look forward to seeing how this remarkable cohort will harness their creativity, compassion, and determination to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Curious to learn more about this inspiring cohort? Meet the new Fellows and discover their stories here.