Each year, more young residents across Russia participate in the nationwide contest known as Great Change. Since the program began, it has drawn participation from over 5 million people, a milestone highlighted by Sergei Kiriyenko, the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration, during a celebration recognizing high school winners at the Artek international children’s center.
In the current season, organizers report that more than 3 million children took part, underscoring the competition’s broad reach and growing popularity among youth nationwide.
Winners can receive up to one million rubles to support education, earn additional points for their university applications based on their achievements, and participate in unique travel experiences across Russia through the More Than a Trip initiative. Prizes extend to the mentors and teachers who guide the winning teams as well.
The deputy head of the presidential administration noted that the fourth season introduced changes to the evaluation system, with teamwork taking on a more prominent role. He emphasized that all participants are already winners, and what matters most is leaving the competition with not only a diploma and prize money but also a network of new friends, because serious problems are usually solved by groups of people. “People are what matters,” he said.
He also spoke about the Russia Exhibition-Forum, opened at VDNKh on National Unity Day. The event showcases regional achievements, advances across sectors, the latest scientific developments, and projects designed for children and youth.
“Russia is a land of opportunity today. Your success, as well as the success of our entire country, depends on how boldly you dream and how hard you work to turn those dreams into reality,” Kiriyenko remarked.
Sergei Kravtsov, the Russian Education Minister who attended the ceremony, described the winners as the nation’s pride.
“Our real success is you. We strive to ensure you develop and succeed, so you can discover your path and pursue a high-quality education, becoming a patriot of your country and of a strong, influential Russia,” Kravtsov told the finalists.
The head of Rosmolodezh, Ksenia Razuvaeva, encouraged the contest winners to carry the Great Change banner with pride and to set a positive example for their peers. The Great Change competition stands as the flagship project of the youth movement Movement of Firsts in Russia.