Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education

The Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education invites young climate leaders aged 10–30 to join a global UNICEF-supported cohort shaping the future of climate education, with grant support of up to $20,000.

Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education: Empowering Youth to Transform the Future

The Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education offers a powerful opportunity for young people around the world to play a meaningful role in reshaping how societies respond to the climate crisis. Designed to support and elevate youth-led climate education initiatives, the fellowship brings together a global cohort of young leaders committed to ensuring that every child, everywhere, grows up informed, empowered, and equipped to build a just and sustainable future.

At a time when climate change continues to impact communities, education systems, and livelihoods, the need for innovative, inclusive, and action-oriented climate education has never been greater. This fellowship recognises young people not just as learners, but as leaders, educators, and change-makers already driving impact in their schools, communities, and countries.

A Global Fellowship Backed by UNICEF

The Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is supported by UNICEF, an organisation with a long-standing commitment to child rights, youth participation, and sustainable development. Through this fellowship, UNICEF is selecting up to 12 young climate leaders, aged 10 to 30, who are actively strengthening climate education in both formal and informal learning spaces.

Fellows will join a diverse, international network of peers working across different contexts, cultures, and education systems. Together, they will contribute to research, policy discussions, and strategic initiatives that help shape the future of climate education globally.

What Is a Youth-Led Climate Education Initiative?

The fellowship is open to young people who are leading or representing youth-driven climate education initiatives. These initiatives can take many forms and operate at different levels, including:

School system integration, such as curriculum development, educational networks, or school-based climate clubs
Government partnerships, where youth collaborate with education authorities or policymakers
Rights-based and justice-focused approaches that connect climate education with equity, human rights, and social justice
Community resilience and informal education, including local projects, campaigns, or community-led learning initiatives
Digital campaigns and media, such as online platforms, storytelling projects, or climate awareness campaigns

Whether the work is happening in classrooms, communities, or online spaces, the fellowship seeks initiatives that help others learn about, adapt to, engage with, or take action on the climate crisis.

What Fellows Will Do

As a Leading Minds Climate Education Fellow, participants will take part in a range of meaningful activities designed to strengthen both their initiatives and the broader climate education ecosystem. Fellows will:

Document, strengthen, and elevate their climate education “Bright Spot”, showcasing what works and why
Contribute to youth-led research, foresight, and systems thinking, helping to imagine future-ready education systems
Shape policy and participate in national and global dialogues on climate education and youth engagement
Produce stories, tools, and evidence that inform and improve education systems
Co-design and co-host strategic convenings, bringing together stakeholders across sectors

These activities are designed not only to amplify individual initiatives, but also to influence how climate education is understood and implemented worldwide.

Funding and Support Available

Each selected fellow will be eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grant support to strengthen and scale their climate education initiative. In addition to financial support, fellows will benefit from a comprehensive package of professional development opportunities, including:

A stipend for work and contributions during the fellowship period
Technical mentorship and collaboration with research partners
Increased visibility and speaking opportunities at national and global levels
Hands-on experience in child rights, foresight, youth engagement, and advocacy
Leadership development and access to a global network of youth advocates and leaders

This combination of funding, mentorship, and exposure ensures that fellows are supported both practically and professionally.

Time Commitment and Duration

The fellowship runs from February 2026 to July 2027, during which fellows are expected to dedicate approximately four to five hours per week. This structure allows participants to continue with their studies, work, or community commitments while meaningfully engaging in the fellowship.

Who Can Apply?

The Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is open to young people aged 10–30 who meet the following criteria:

Are leading or representing a climate education initiative
Are passionate about climate action, education, and positive social change
Are able to commit time consistently throughout the fellowship period
Are comfortable working in English (knowledge of other UN languages is considered an asset)

Applicants are encouraged to review the detailed eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions before applying.

Why This Fellowship Matters

By centring youth leadership, the Leading Minds Fellowship recognises that young people are already shaping solutions to the climate crisis. The fellowship provides the tools, platforms, and resources needed to scale impact, influence systems, and ensure that climate education becomes more inclusive, effective, and future-focused.

For young leaders who believe that education is key to climate resilience and justice, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to lead at a global level.

How to Apply or Get More Information

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the official application process and review the available FAQs for additional guidance. For further questions, applicants can contact the fellowship team at:

[email protected]

Final Thoughts

The Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is more than a programme—it is a global platform for young people who are reimagining how the world learns about and responds to climate change. With funding support of up to $20,000, global mentorship, and opportunities to shape policy and practice, the fellowship empowers youth to lead the future of climate education with confidence, creativity, and purpose.