Brief Information
The UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education is an 18-month fully funded global fellowship for young climate leaders (ages 10–30) working to transform climate education in their schools, communities, and countries. Fellows join a diverse international cohort collaborating with UNICEF researchers, policymakers, and global partners to reimagine climate education. Each selected participant may receive grant support of up to US$ 20,000 to scale their youth-led climate education initiatives and strengthen their impact.
Key Dates & Details
Official Source: https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/leading-minds-fellowship-climate-education
Program Name: UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education
Organizer: UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight
Focus Area: Youth-led climate education (formal and informal learning)
Duration: 18 months (February 2026 – July 2027)
Grant Support: Up to US$ 20,000 per climate education initiative
Additional Support: Stipend, mentorship, foresight research collaboration, leadership development
Eligibility Age: 10–30 years (global)
Weekly Commitment: 4–5 hours per week
Application Deadline: 31 December 2025
Location: Fully global (online + occasional in-person convenings)
Table of Contents
Overview
The UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education empowers young innovators who are reshaping global approaches to climate education. Fellows contribute to research, foresight, evidence generation, and youth-led action—ensuring that climate education becomes a driver of intergenerational climate justice.
UNICEF views climate education as a fundamental right and a cornerstone for a sustainable, equitable future. Through this fellowship, young leaders strengthen their climate initiatives, produce actionable evidence, and inform national and global education systems.
The fellowship works on two interconnected levels:
1. Supporting individual fellows
Fellows conduct youth-led research, engage in foresight exercises, develop tools or stories, and advocate for climate education policies.
2. Amplifying “Bright Spots” in climate education
UNICEF documents and scales promising youth-led climate education models to influence broader policy, curricula, and community practices worldwide.
Whether your initiative is creating school climate clubs, integrating climate topics into curricula, building digital learning tools, supporting teacher networks, or running community-based awareness campaigns—this fellowship helps you expand your reach and deepen your impact.
Eligibility
To apply for the UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education, applicants must:
- Be 10–30 years old at the time of application.
- Lead or represent a climate education initiative, such as:
- School or teacher network projects
- Climate clubs, workshops, and learning hubs
- Youth-led community resilience initiatives
- Policy partnerships or rights-based climate education
- Digital campaigns, media projects, or storytelling platforms
- Demonstrate a commitment to climate action, education, and youth empowerment.
- Be able to commit 4–5 hours weekly during February 2026 – July 2027.
- Be comfortable working in English (additional UN languages are an asset).
The fellowship is fully global, with strong emphasis on inclusion and representation of diverse backgrounds, identities, and regions.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive one of the most comprehensive support packages offered by UNICEF:
- Up to US$ 20,000 grant to scale and strengthen their climate education initiative.
- Monthly stipend for active participation and contributions.
- Mentorship from UNICEF researchers, educators, and climate experts.
- Hands-on experience in child rights, foresight, policy engagement, research, and advocacy.
- Visibility and speaking opportunities at national and global convenings.
- Access to a global network of climate educators, youth advocates, and innovation leaders.
- Opportunities to co-create tools, insights, and evidence that shape climate education globally.
This combination of financial, technical, and leadership support makes the UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship on Climate Education a transformative program for emerging climate changemakers.
Application Details
Application Format
Applications are submitted through a Microsoft Forms application linked from the official UNICEF page.
The form includes:
- 6 structured sections (45–60 minutes to complete)
- A 90-second video introducing yourself and your climate education initiative
Applicants must describe:
- Their motivation and journey in climate education
- Initiative goals, activities, reach, and impact
- How their work engages children and young people
- Challenges faced and how the fellowship will support scale-up
- Plans for using the US$ 20,000 grant
- Availability during the 18-month program
How to Apply
- Visit the official UNICEF page (link below).
- Click “Apply now” to open the Microsoft Forms application.
- Prepare the required video introduction.
- Submit your completed application by 31 December 2025.
Who is the fellowship for?
Young leaders aged 10–30 who are running climate education initiatives in schools, communities, or online.
Do I need a specific academic background?
No. Leadership, initiative impact, and youth-led innovation matter more than formal education.
Does every fellow receive the full US$ 20,000?
Each fellow is eligible for up to US$ 20,000 based on project needs and implementation plans.
Can I apply if my initiative has other partners?
Yes. You may apply as long as your leadership role and contribution are clearly demonstrated.
Official Link
👉 UNICEF Leading Minds Fellowship Official Page
The “Apply now” button on the UNICEF page opens the official Microsoft Forms application.
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