ECHO Award for Students with a migration background from one of the countries in Africa, Latin America, or Asia, or Turkey

What is the ECHO Award?

The ECHO Award is presented annually to outstanding students with a migration background from one of the countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, or Turkey. These students stand out for their social impact, their involvement in policy and systemic change, and their leadership in driving positive social transformation. They show a clear vision and strategy in tackling structural inequalities and demonstrate the ability to mobilize and inspire others.The winners are rewarded with an all-expenses paid Summer Course at UCLA in the United States.

What are the criteria for winning the award?

General criteria

Social impact: These students You make a meaningful contribution to positive change, both within your educational institution and beyond, by addressing socially relevant issues.

Policy and systemic change: These students You are involved in initiatives aimed at tackling structural inequalities, and you show a clear vision and strategy to create policy-level or systemic change.

Leadership qualities: These students You demonstrate inspiring leadership, and you know how to engage and motivate others in processes of social transformation.

Practical criteria

• They are part of an underrepresented group, with a specific focus on Dutch students with a non-Western or refugee background.*

• They have strong academic results (as a guideline, an average of 7.5 or higher).

• They have excellent proficiency in English.

• They are available to participate in the ECHO Ambassadors Academy.

• They are available for an interview with the ECHO Award jury.

• They are available to attend the ECHO Award Ceremony .

These criteria may change each year. For more information about the criteria, see the ECHO website.

What does it mean to be a student with a “non-Western migration background?”

ECHO defines students with a non-Western migration background* as:

• Dutch students with a non-Western background;

• Students with a refugee background;

• International students who identify as part of a marginalized community in their own context, intend to settle in the Netherlands, and have made a social contribution to Dutch society

*ECHO defines “persons with a non-Western background” as persons with a migration background from one of the countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, or Turkey.

What do you receive if you win?

The prize creates opportunities for students to achieve a more equitable starting position and contributes to a dialogue that recognizes social challenges and illustrates the power of diversity.

The winners will be rewarded with an all-expenses paid summer course at UCLA in the United States. (The summer course at UCLA might be subject to change; if participation in the course is not possible or if external circumstances don’t allow it, an equivalent  alternative will be arranged in consultation with the winners.)

After nomination, students automatically join the ECHO Ambassadors community, a network of socially involved students and (young) professionals who have been nominated over the years.

During the ECHO Ambassadors Academy, the brand new ECHO Ambassadors are introduced to the theory and practice of diversity and inclusion. This enables them  to get familiar with frameworks and concepts to discuss the topic and will enable them to develop new skills. They will engage in practical workshops in which they explore their role as ECHO ambassadors. In addition to developing understanding and skills, more information is also provided about the selection process and what they can expect from the follow-up process.

The ECHO Ambassadors Academy prepares students for opportunities that ECHO offers in activities aimed at strengthening diversity and inclusion in education and the labour market.

How does nomination work?

The UG may nominate a total of six students:  three for the ECHO WO award, and three for the ECHO Current Affairs Award. The latter focuses on students who make an impact on current social issues.

The D&I Office at the UG, along with a selection committee, selects UG students to nominate to ECHO, who decide on the final winners. 

There are two ways for UG students and staff to submit applications to be considered for UG’s nomination:

• Students can apply themselves.
• Staff members can nominate students.

Applications typically consist of an application form, CV, and motivation letter.

Appplications for the 2025 ECHO Awards are now open! Find more information on how to apply by clicking the button below. 

Would you like more information?

Read more about the ECHO awards on the ECHO website.
You can also contact the Diversity & Inclusion Office (diversity rug.nl) if you have any questions.