Call for The Young Climate Prize 2026 | The World Around is open now!!!
Changing tomorrow happens with young climate leaders on the ground making impact where it is most needed. The Young Climate Prize is an accelerator that gathers, mentors, and amplifies this next generation.
The Young Climate Prize is a mentorship and award initiative that supports global leaders under the age of 25 who are living and working on the front lines of the climate crisis. These young innovators are delivering immediate, locally grounded, and scalable climate solutions through self-initiated projects rooted in community, proven in real-world conditions, and designed for adaptation across regions. Since its launch in 2022, the program has supported 50 young innovators from 35 countries, working on solutions ranging from waste management and alternative fuel sources, to material innovation and even birdwatching. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, use the link below to submit a nomination ahead of the next application cycle.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Entry to and participation in the prize is free
- Applicants must share a short video introducing their project and accompanying written or visual materials that show evidence of their work and its impact
- Submissions are accepted in English or Spanish
- Deadline for applications is June 30, 2026, at 11:59pm EDT
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- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 25 at the time of application
- Groups of a maximum of three may enter. Each group member must meet the eligibility criteria
- Applicants can be located anywhere in the world
- Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a live project with demonstrable impact in addressing or mitigating the impacts of climate change in their community. They must be actively leading the project at the time of application
- Eligible projects may span a wide range of climate-related issues, sectors, and creative practices, with a particular emphasis on design as a driver of climate solutions
YOUNG CLIMATE PRIZE
- Individual mentorship by one of the world’s great designers
- Weekly attendance to The World Around’s Design Academy, providing training and tools for storytelling, communication, and public engagement
- Strategic guidance on scaling and strengthening your project
- Join a global peer network of young climate leaders
- The opportunity to travel to New York City and present their work on stage
- Participation in Young Climate Prize Fellowship for three years beyond the program
Benefits
- One-on-one mentorship from global experts
- Access to a 3-month Design Academy (workshops, lectures, skill-building)
- Opportunity to present the project in New York City
- Global exposure through a major climate/design platform
- Networking with international experts, creatives, and policymakers
- Access to a global community of young climate leaders
- Continued support through a multi-year fellowship/community network
- Media visibility and storytelling support
- Free to apply and participate
Eligibilities
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Entry to and participation in the prize is free
- Applicants must share a short video introducing their project and accompanying written or visual materials that show evidence of their work and its impact
- Submissions are accepted in English or Spanish
- Deadline for applications is June 30, 2026, at 11:59pm EDT
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
- Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 25 at the time of application
- Groups of a maximum of three may enter. Each group member must meet the eligibility criteria
- Applicants can be located anywhere in the world
- Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of a live project with demonstrable impact in addressing or mitigating the impacts of climate change in their community. They must be actively leading the project at the time of application
- Eligible projects may span a wide range of climate-related issues, sectors, and creative practices, with a particular emphasis on design as a driver of climate solutions
YOUNG CLIMATE PRIZE
- Individual mentorship by one of the world’s great designers
- Weekly attendance to The World Around’s Design Academy, providing training and tools for storytelling, communication, and public engagement
- Strategic guidance on scaling and strengthening your project
- Join a global peer network of young climate leaders
- The opportunity to travel to New York City and present their work on stage
- Participation in Young Climate Prize Fellowship for three years beyond the program
Application Process
Apply directly using the “Apply Now” link
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026 (57 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
