UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education: Apply Now to Join a Global Cohort Transforming the Future

This is your chance to help reimagine climate education, so that every child, everywhere, grows up prepared, empowered, and able to shape a just and sustainable future.

As a Leading Minds Climate Education Fellow, you will join a global cohort elevating youth-led initiatives, conducting research and foresight, shaping policy and helping design strategic convenings. Selected initiatives are eligible to receive grant support of up to $20,000.

Lead the future of climate education

UNICEF is selecting up to 12 young climate leaders (ages 10–30) who are strengthening climate education in their schools, communities, and countries in both formal and informal settings.

A youth-led climate education initiative can include, for example:

• School system integration: curriculum development, educational networks, or school-based climate clubs;
• Government partnerships: collaborative models working with education authorities or policymakers;
• Rights-based and justice frameworks: initiatives linking climate education to equity, justice, and human rights;
• Community resilience and informal education: local projects, campaigns, or community-led learning; and
• Digital campaigns and media: online platforms, storytelling, or awareness-raising initiatives.

If you’re helping others learn, adapt, engage, or act on the climate crisis — this Fellowship is for you.

What will you do?

• Document, strengthen and elevate your climate education “Bright Spot”;

• Contribute to youth-led research, foresight, and systems thinking;

• Shape policy and participate in national and global dialogues;

• Produce stories, tools, and evidence that improve education systems; and

• Co-design and co-host strategic convenings.

Why apply?

• Stipend for work and contributions during the fellowship period;

• Technical mentorship and collaboration with research partners;

• Visibility and speaking opportunities;

• Hands-on experience in child rights, foresight, youth engagement, and advocacy; and

• Leadership development and access to a global network of youth advocates and leaders.

Each selected fellow will be eligible for up to $20,000 in grant support

Apply now

Who can apply?

Young people ages 10–30 who are:

• Leading or representing a climate education initiative;
• Passionate about climate action, climate education, and creating positive change;
• Ready to dedicate four to five hours a week from February 2026 to July 2027; and
• Comfortable working in English (other UN languages are an asset).

To learn more about eligibility and who can apply, download FAQs here or join the information session.

Questions?

Contact us at innocentiyouth@unicef.org