Apply Now: UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education 2026–2027

Are you a young changemaker passionate about climate education and intergenerational justice? UNICEF is looking for the next generation of leaders to shape the future of how the world teaches, learns, and acts on the climate crisis.

Applications are open for the Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education — an 18-month paid fellowship running from February 2026 to July 2027.

What is the Fellowship?

This is not another short-term youth program or pilot project. The Leading Minds Fellowship is a strategic, evidence-driven initiative designed to create system-level change in climate education worldwide.

We believe climate education is:

•  A fundamental children’s and youth right

•  A powerful lever for intergenerational justice

•  Essential for building resilient, climate-literate societies

Through the fellowship, a select cohort of young leaders (aged 18–30) will:

•  Conduct original research and foresight on systemic barriers and enablers in climate education

•  Advocate directly with policymakers, educators, and global institutions

•  Document and amplify youth-led “Bright Spots” — successful grassroots and national initiatives that are already working

•  Co-create policy frameworks, recommendations, and advocacy strategies that can be adopted at national, regional, and global levels

The fellowship operates on two complementary tracks:

1.  Individual Fellow Track — Deep-dive research, foresight exercises, and high-impact advocacy led by each fellow

2.  Bright Spots Track — Curating and learning from real-world youth-led climate education initiatives to ground recommendations in proven practice

The ultimate goal: produce rigorous evidence and actionable insights that shift policies, curricula, and funding toward transformative, youth-centered climate education.

This is not about scaling small projects. It’s about influencing the systems that shape how billions of young people understand and respond to the climate emergency.

Fellowship Details

•  Duration: 18 months (February 2026 – July 2027)

•  Format: Mostly virtual with several in-person convenings (travel covered)

•  Compensation: Fellows receive a stipend

•  Cohort size: Small, highly selective group of exceptional young leaders from around the world

Who Should Apply?

You’re a perfect fit if you:

•  Are 18–30 years old

•  Have demonstrated experience or deep interest in climate education, youth advocacy, policy influence, or systems change

•  Come from a background in education, climate activism, research, communications, or related fields

•  Are ready to commit serious time and intellectual energy to driving global change

We especially encourage applications from the Global South, indigenous youth, and underrepresented communities.

How to Apply

The application takes 45–60 minutes and includes six sections plus one creative element:

•  A 90-second video telling us who you are, why climate education matters to you, and what you would bring to the fellowship

Deadline: December 31, 2025 (11:59 PM anywhere on Earth)

Click HERE to Apply