The Call for Applications for the Wayfinder Society Student Mini-Grants is now open!
The Student Mini-Grants Program supports student-led projects that address the root causes of plastic pollution, recognizing that plastic waste is not only a litter issue but a production and systems problem. Designed for students aged 11–25 worldwide, the program empowers young leaders to turn ideas into action within their schools, neighborhoods, or broader communities.
Each selected project receives a USD 500 mini-grant to support solution-oriented initiatives that promote long-term change. Funded projects focus on education, reuse systems, policy advocacy, creative communication, research, or community engagement that reduces reliance on single-use plastics and build local capacity for sustainable alternatives. Applicants are required to identify an adult advisor who can guide them throughout the project period.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
For the 2025–2026 school year, ten individual grants will be awarded. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, campus reuse programs, repair cafés or fix-it clinics, data-driven cleanup campaigns, peer-to-peer education initiatives, plastic reduction policy advocacy, creative arts projects, school gardens that reduce cafeteria waste, composting programs focused on packaging reduction, or activities that support circular economy learning and advocacy.
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1. 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/
Selected grantees receive ongoing mentorship and support from Algalita staff throughout the school year. Participants take part in periodic check-ins with fellow student awardees to share progress, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate achievements. The program values diverse academic and personal interests, encouraging applicants from all disciplines to connect their work to the goal of ending plastic pollution.
Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated engagement with the Wayfinder Society online program, commitment to continued action on plastic pollution, and the clarity, impact, and feasibility of the proposed project. All application materials are treated as public information, and submissions are currently accepted in English only, with translation support available upon request. Only one application is permitted per individual.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
- Each Student Mini-Grant provides USD 500
- 10 students will be awarded in this cycle, totaling USD 5,000 in grant funding
- Receive mentorship and guidance from an adult advisor and Algalita staff
- Collaborate on social media features through Algalita’s platforms
- Connect with a global network of youth leaders working on plastic pollution solutions
- Transform project ideas into sustained, real-world action against plastic pollution
Eligibilities
- Be 11–25 years old on the application deadline
- Have an individual Wayfinder Society account (or a student account created through a teacher)
- Have completed the two required Actions before the deadline:
- The Story of Plastic – Watch the Film
- The Story of Plastic – System Mapping (including submission of the required form)
- Demonstrate a clear commitment to ending plastic pollution in a classroom, school, community, or broader setting
Application Process
Apply through the “Apply Now” link.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2026 (16 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
