Trevor Noah Awarded Elevate Prize Foundation’s Inaugural Catalyst Award

The Trevor Noah Foundation is pleased to announce our Chairman, Trevor Noah, as the winner of the inaugural Elevate Prize Foundation Catalyst Award 2021. The Elevate Prize Foundation has committed to providing $250,000 in unrestricted funding to support our work within education.

Since 2019, the Elevate Prize Foundation has empowered passionate purpose-driven leaders, innovators and activists, and amplifying their impact for social good. 

First announced this year, the Catalyst Award recognizes individuals who use their voice and influence to elevate social consciousness and inspire others to do good. We couldn’t be prouder that Trevor Noah has done just that. The award honours his contribution towards social issues, human upliftment and passion towards advancing education in South Africa.

“Today, Trevor Noah is an icon of social commentary in the U.S. and one of the most important voices in contemporary media. He shares a unique perspective and platform that highlights our shared humanity and brings greater awareness to the important issues of our time, inspiring social action,” said Carolina García Jayaram, Executive Director, Elevate Prize Foundation. 

“The challenges of the past few years have revealed the power of social and media platforms and the importance of using fame for good. As we strive to ‘make good famous’ ourselves by supporting and amplifying the work of social entrepreneurs globally, we look to leaders like Trevor Noah, who are using their platform to do just that. We are honoured and excited to have Trevor as the first recipient of the Catalyst Award, and look forward to partnering with the Trevor Noah Foundation to achieve greater impact in their work.”

“I am honoured to be receiving the inaugural Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. Their commitment to social good is something I admire and strive for every day, both in my personal life and for my Foundation,” said Trevor Noah. “I am excited about our partnership and hope we can continue their mission to ‘make good famous’ together.”

In 2018, we launched our Foundation, working with one school. To date, the Trevor Noah Foundation works with four schools in and around Johannesburg, serving over 6,000 learners, 500 educators, and endless community members through our Khulani Schools programme. 

In partnership with YALI-RCLSA (Young African Leaders Initiative) and the University of South Africa (UNISA), we run the Education Changemakers program, which equips future leaders within the education sector with leadership skills, tools and networks for success. Last year, we concluded our first cohort of 50 Education Changemakers representing 13 Southern African countries. 

Our achievements would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of Trevor Noah. 

“Once again, we celebrate Trevor for inspiring youth around the world to ‘do good,’ blazing a trail wherever he goes,” said Shalane Yuen, Executive Director, the Trevor Noah Foundation.

To read the full press release, visit here.