The Young Social Entrepreneur Awards @ Bilgi was launched in May 2010. Established as a collaborative effort of the Sylvan/Laureate Foundation, Istanbul Bilgi University, TEGV Educational Volunteers Foundation of Turkey, and the International Youth Foundation, this national program seeks to identify, recognize, and support accomplished social entrepreneurs, ages 18 – 29, throughout Turkey.

Each year, 10 Turkish social entrepreneurs will be selected to receive:

• Recognition in a public awards ceremony
• A cash award of $3,500
• A Turkish-language training experience on topics relevant to their social change work, including leadership, fundraising, and public relations
• Access to a global network of YouthActionNet™ alumni

 
First Annual Awards Ceremony of Young Social Entrepreneur Awards @ Bilgi
Held at Pera Museum on February 3, 2011

 
2010 Launch Event for The Young Social Entrepreneur Awards Program at Istanbul Bilgi University
From left to right: Ural Akuzum, Board Member, Istanbul Bilgi University;
Serdar Apaydin, Program Director, Young Social Entrepreneur Awards @ Bilgi;
Cagri Bagcioglu, Secretary General, Istanbul Bilgi University