Applications are now open for the UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education, a global programme supporting young innovators who are transforming climate learning in their communities. The 18-month fellowship runs from February 2026 to July 2027 and offers selected participants grant funding of up to $20,000 to scale impactful climate education initiatives.
This fellowship empowers youth to reimagine and redesign how climate education is delivered worldwide—ensuring that every child grows up informed, prepared, and capable of shaping a sustainable future.
About the UNICEF Leading Minds Climate Fellowship
Climate education is both a fundamental right and a powerful tool for intergenerational justice. Through this fellowship, UNICEF aims to elevate youth-led solutions by supporting:
- Climate education innovations
- Research and foresight work
- Advocacy influencing national and global policies
- Storytelling and awareness-building
- Youth engagement in education and climate governance
Up to 12 young climate leaders between the ages of 10 and 30 will be selected from around the world.
What Counts as a Climate Education Initiative?
UNICEF is seeking applicants already involved in projects that strengthen climate learning. Eligible initiatives may include:
- Climate curriculum development
- School climate clubs and student-led actions
- Partnerships with government or education authorities
- Projects linking climate education with justice or human rights
- Community-based or informal learning programmes
- Digital storytelling, media platforms, and awareness campaigns
- Youth-led research or climate adaptation education
If you are helping others learn, adapt, engage, or act on climate issues, your initiative qualifies.
What Fellows Will Do
Throughout the 18-month fellowship, selected youth will:
- Document and strengthen their climate education “Bright Spot”
- Conduct youth-led research and foresight activities
- Shape local, national, and global climate education policies
- Join dialogues with decision-makers and education experts
- Develop tools, evidence, stories, and resources for system-wide change
- Co-design and co-host strategic convenings with UNICEF
- Collaborate with a global cohort of climate-driven peers
The programme is designed to elevate youth expertise while influencing how education systems respond to the climate crisis.
Benefits of the UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive:
Up to $20,000 Grant Funding
Support to scale or strengthen their climate education initiative.
Global Recognition
Opportunities to showcase work across UNICEF platforms.
Technical & Research Mentorship
Collaboration with UNICEF teams and external research partners.
Advocacy & Public Speaking Opportunities
Access to global stages and policy conversations.
Leadership Development
Training in child rights, foresight, youth engagement, systems thinking, and climate advocacy.
A Global Network of Young Climate Leaders
Work alongside like-minded changemakers shaping climate education worldwide.
Participation Stipend
Compensation for time and involvement during the programme.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 10–30 years old
- Lead or represent an active climate education initiative
- Be passionate about climate action and youth empowerment
- Commit 4–5 hours per week from Feb 2026 to July 2027
- Be comfortable working in English
UNICEF encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and communities, especially those most affected by climate change.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is December 31, 2025.
APPLY FOR THE UNICEF LEADING MINDS FELLOWSHIP ON CLIMATE EDUCATION
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