The 2025/2026 Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge invites youth aged 15–26 to submit education projects addressing Sustainability, Flourishing, or Community Impact. Sixty shortlisted projects receive online training and mentorship, while 12 ambassadors receive a $1,000 grant and recognition from the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY). The application deadline is January 15, 2026.
Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Learning Planet (supported by UNU FLY) |
| Program Focus | Youth-led Educational Projects for Sustainable Futures |
| Category | Design Challenge / Project Grant |
| Eligible Applicants | Youth aged 15–26 |
| Max Financial Award | $1,000 Grant (for 12 Ambassadors) |
| Recognition | Certification by the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2026 Details
The 2025/2026 Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge (LPYDC) is an international initiative dedicated to supporting young leaders who are developing innovative, education-focused projects with the potential to create real-world impact for a more sustainable future. Recognizing that over half the world’s population is under 30, the LPYDC aims to provide the necessary network, resources, and funding to help youth-led solutions grow and thrive.
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The challenge is open to youth aged 15 to 26 and requires projects to align with critical global themes, ensuring that the next generation of changemakers receives visibility and professional development support from a global network of partners.
Benefits and Specific Awards of the Youth Design Challenge
The LPYDC offers a tiered system of benefits, transitioning from comprehensive training and mentorship to significant grants and international recognition for the top projects.
Tier 1: Project Grants (Up to $1,000)
- Ambassador Grant: Twelve (12) projects, selected by the international jury as ambassadors, will receive a $1,000 grant to advance and scale their projects.
Tier 2: Training and Mentorship
- Online Training Package: Sixty (60) shortlisted projects will benefit from an extensive online training package over four months (March-June 2026). This package includes:
- Targeted mentorship
- Live masterclasses
- Practical tools designed to develop and solidify the project’s framework.
- Community of Practice: All 60 shortlisted projects will be integrated into a global Community of Practice, fostering collaboration and shared learning among education leaders and partners.
Tier 3: Recognition and Networking
- UNU FLY Certification: All 60 shortlisted projects receive Certification by the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY), adding significant credibility to the project and the young leaders.
- Global Network Showcase: All 60 shortlisted projects are featured on the Learning Planet projects platform and shared across a global network of education leaders, partners, and changemakers.
- International Events: The 12 ambassadors will be invited to participate in international events and receive tailored networking support to help advance their projects onto a larger stage.
Eligibility Requirements for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2026
The challenge is open to young people worldwide who meet the age criterion and whose projects align with the designated themes of global impact.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be youth aged 15–26 at the time of application.
- Project Focus: Must submit an innovative education project that creates real-world impact.
- Thematic Alignment: Projects must align with one of the following three themes:
- Community Impact: Focusing on Peace, democracy, and inclusion.
- Flourishing: Centered on Well-Being and socio-emotional development.
- Sustainability: Targeting Planetary health and the circular economy.
How to Apply for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process requires submitting the project details online through the official portal.
- Develop Project: Ensure your innovative education project is well-defined and aligns clearly with one of the three core themes: Community Impact, Flourishing, or Sustainability.
- Access Submission Portal: Click the green button below to go to the official Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge website.
- Complete Online Form: Submit the project details online via the Call to submit projects online portal.
- Final Submission: Submit the completed project entry before the final deadline of January 15, 2026.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT PROJECTS ONLINE
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the Learning Planet Youth Design Challenge?
The challenge is open to youth aged 15–26 from any country who have an innovative, existing education project.
2. What is the deadline for submitting an education project for the 2026 challenge?
The application period closes on January 15, 2026.
3. What is the monetary prize awarded to the final ambassadors?
The 12 final ambassadors receive a $1,000 grant to further develop and advance their projects.
4. What are the three core themes that projects must align with?
Projects should align with Community Impact (Peace, democracy, inclusion), Flourishing (Well-Being), or Sustainability (Planetary health, circular economy).
5. How many projects are shortlisted to receive the training and mentorship package?
Sixty (60) projects will be selected by the international jury to benefit from the online training and mentorship.
6. Who provides the official certification for the shortlisted projects?
Certification is provided by the United Nations University Hub for Future of Learning with Youth (UNU FLY).
7. What happens in the period between March and June 2026 for the shortlisted projects?
The period from March to June 2026 is dedicated to intensive Training & Mentorship and the integration of the 60 projects into a global Community of Practice.
8. Are the ambassadors only recognized locally?
No, the 12 ambassadors are invited to international events and receive tailored networking to advance their projects on a global scale.
9. Is the challenge designed for brand new ideas or existing projects?
The challenge is designed to back young leaders and help them grow their education projects, implying that the project should be existing or well-developed enough for impact assessment.
10. When are the final ambassadors selected and celebrated?
The selection and celebration of the 12 ambassadors takes place in July 2026, following the four-month training period.
