UNICEF is inviting young global climate leaders (ages 10–30) to apply for the UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education, starting February 2026. The 18-month program offers a stipend, mentorship, and up to $20,000 in grant support to strengthen initiatives related to climate education, policy, and community resilience.
UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) |
| Program Focus | Youth-Led Climate Education and Policy Influence |
| Category | Global Youth Fellowship / Grant Competition |
| Eligible Age Range | 10 to 30 Years Old |
| Max Financial Award | Up to $20,000 in Grant Support |
| Program Duration | February 2026 to July 2027 (18 Months) |
| Time Commitment | 4–5 Hours Per Week |
Global Fellowship for Young People: Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education
The Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education, hosted by UNICEF, is a powerful opportunity for young climate leaders worldwide to actively shape the global response to the climate crisis through education. This fellowship brings together a diverse cohort of individuals dedicated to ensuring children and communities are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and agency required for a just and sustainable future.
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UNICEF invites young people, ages 10 to 30, who are driving innovative climate education initiatives—ranging from curriculum development and school clubs to digital campaigns and community resilience programs—to apply. Selected fellows receive substantial support and grant funding to amplify their “Bright Spots” and contribute directly to global policy and education system reform.
Benefits and Specific Awards of the Leading Minds Fellowship
Fellows receive a comprehensive package designed to support their personal leadership growth, elevate their initiatives, and provide a platform for global influence.
Tier 1: Initiative Grant and Financial Support (Up to $20,000)
- Grant Support: Fellows are eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grant support to strengthen and expand their selected climate education initiatives.
- Stipend: A stipend is provided to compensate fellows for their work and intellectual contributions throughout the fellowship duration.
Tier 2: Leadership Development and Technical Mentorship
- Technical Mentorship: Access to specialized technical mentorship from global experts in the fields of climate action, education, and research.
- Hands-on Experience: Practical experience in critical areas including child rights, foresight, youth engagement, and advocacy, enabling powerful pathways for systemic change.
- Research and Foresight: Direct involvement in youth-led research and foresight activities, developing insights on future climate and education scenarios.
Tier 3: Global Visibility and Policy Influence
- Global Platform: Significant visibility and speaking opportunities in global platforms and high-level convenings alongside decision-makers and experts.
- Policy Shaping: Opportunities to actively shape policy dialogue and contribute to national, regional, and global convenings.
- Global Network: Access to a powerful, global network of fellow youth leaders, partners, researchers, and policymakers.
Eligibility Requirements for the Leading Minds Fellowship
The fellowship seeks young innovators and advocates who are actively leading climate education initiatives.
- Age Requirement: Must be between the ages of 10 and 30 at the time of application.
- Initiative Leadership: Must be leading or representing a climate education initiative, which can be individual or team-based (e.g., school integration, government partnership, community program).
- Commitment: Must be able to commit approximately 4–5 hours per week for the full program duration (February 2026 to July 2027).
- Language Comfort: Must be comfortable working in English (comfort with other UN languages is considered an asset).
- Passion and Drive: Must demonstrate passion for climate action, climate education, and driving positive change.
How to Apply for the Leading Minds Fellowship (Step by Step)
Prospective applicants must submit their materials via the designated application process, outlining their initiative and vision for climate education reform.
- Prepare Initiative Details: Clearly document the youth-led climate education “Bright Spot” initiative you are leading, detailing its current impact, strategies, and lessons learned.
- Complete the Application: Submit the complete online application, ensuring all demographic and initiative details are accurately provided.
- Commit to Engagement: Confirm your ability to commit the required 4–5 hours per week for the 18-month duration (February 2026 to July 2027) and your comfort working in English.
- Await Shortlisting and Guidance: Access the downloadable FAQs and join the upcoming information session for further guidance and wait for notification regarding shortlisting and potential selection.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the eligible age range for the Leading Minds Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to young people who are between the ages of 10 and 30 at the time of application.
2. What is the maximum grant amount available to selected fellows?
Selected fellows are eligible to receive up to $20,000 in grant support to expand and elevate their climate education initiatives.
3. What is the total duration and time commitment required for the fellowship?
The fellowship spans 18 months (February 2026 to July 2027), requiring a commitment of approximately 4–5 hours per week.
4. Who is hosting the Leading Minds Fellowship?
The fellowship is hosted by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).
5. Does the fellowship require applicants to work in English?
Applicants should be comfortable working in English, although comfort with other UN languages is considered an asset.
6. What types of initiatives qualify as youth-led climate education?
Initiatives can include school system integration, government partnerships, rights-based frameworks, community resilience programs, or digital campaigns and media projects.
7. What kind of research will fellows contribute to during the program?
Fellows will contribute to youth-led research and foresight, specifically developing insights on future climate and education scenarios.
8. Is there compensation for the time commitment during the fellowship?
Yes, fellows receive a stipend to compensate them for their work and contributions during the fellowship period.
9. What expertise is provided through the technical mentorship component?
Mentorship is provided by experts in climate, education, and research, offering specialized technical guidance.
10. Does the fellowship encourage applications from historically marginalized groups?
Yes, the program strongly supports representation from historically marginalized groups and encourages applicants from all regions.
