Local Letters for Global Change is a Pulitzer Center writing contest for students. Students are encouraged to write a letter to a local elected representative that explains the global issue they want them to prioritize (e.g., Climate and Environment), shows how it connects to their local community and proposes a solution. The Pulitzer Center welcomes entries from all current K-12 students across the globe. First-place winners will receive US$300 to support global community engagement. Educators working with groups of 50 or more students can also schedule a free, virtual workshop facilitated by a member of the Pulitzer Center Education team. The application deadline is 01 November 2026. Letters for Global Change
youth
Composting Council Research and Education Foundation — Poster Contest
The International Compost Awareness Week Committee invites submissions for its annual poster contest. This year’s theme is “All Paths Lead to Compost”. The winning poster will serve as the promotional piece of the 2026 International Compost Awareness Week and the winner will receive US$500. The contest is open to anyone from 9th grade (age 14) or older from anywhere in the world. The deadline is 15 November 2026. About the poster contest
Arab Youth Center — Youth Delegates to the 2026 UN Water Conference
The Arab Youth Center invites applications for the Global Youth Water Envoys Program. The center will select 100 young people from across the world’s regions and prepare them to take part in the 2026 UN Water Conference (Abu Dhabi/December 2026). Applicants must be aged 18 to 35 at the time of the conference, be proficient in English, and have an interest or relevant experience in water governance, public policy, climate action, sustainability, innovation, finance, or a related field. The program is open worldwide. The deadline is 13 August 2026. Youth Delegates
Explorers Club — Field Science by High School and Undergraduate Students
The Explorers Club invites applications for the Rising Explorer Grant, which funds scientific fieldwork by high school students, college undergraduates, and independent researchers working at an equivalent level. Awards average US$1,500. Each application requires two written recommendations. The deadline is 31 August 2026. Rising Explorer Grant
Global Environment and Action Foundation — Global Ambassador Program
The Global Environment and Action Foundation (GEAF) invites applications for its Global Ambassador Program, which empowers young leaders to promote environmental sustainability, climate action, and community engagement through awareness campaigns and local initiatives. The program is open to students, young professionals, activists, educators, and changemakers aged 16 and above from all countries. Selected ambassadors receive training, mentorship, networking opportunities, a certificate, digital recognition, and the opportunity to lead environmental campaigns within their communities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Global Ambassador Program
World Oceans Day — Become a Young Ocean Leader
The World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council needs 15 new young ocean leaders from around the world. The Council works closely with The Ocean Project and its global partner network to help shape the development of World Oceans Day. Members will develop projects and help to shape World Oceans Day. Applicants should be between the ages of 16 and 22, able to make a two-year commitment (including approximately 10 hours per month to Council activities). Applications are due by 02 August 2026. Become a Young Ocean Leader
RECOFTC — Community Forestry 101
RECOFTC is accepting applications for Community Forestry 101, a self-paced online course that introduces the principles, practices, and benefits of community forestry. The course is designed for students, early-career professionals, government officials, NGO staff, researchers, and community practitioners interested in sustainable forest management and local governance. Participants gain foundational knowledge through interactive learning modules and receive a certificate upon successful completion. The course is free of charge and is open to participants worldwide. Enrollment is available on a rolling basis. Further details here
Thomson Foundation — Young Journalist Award 2026
The Thomson Foundation invites entries for the Young Journalist Award 2026, an international competition recognizing outstanding young journalists whose work investigates important social issues and holds power to account. Eligible applicants are journalists aged 30 or under from, or reporting in, countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita below US$20 thousand. Applicants must submit three published or broadcast pieces produced during the previous 12 months. Three finalists will be invited to London, United Kingdom, to attend the Foreign Press Association Media Awards, participate in newsroom visits, and receive professional training and networking opportunities. The application deadline is 09 August 2026. Young Journalist Award
World Summit Awards — Young Innovators Award
Nominations are open for the WSA Young Innovators Awards (young social entrepreneurs under 26 years of age). The awards recognize market-ready digital solutions that create positive social or environmental impact and contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Eligible applicants include startups, social entrepreneurs, companies, NGOs, student groups, project teams, and individuals. Winners receive global recognition, the opportunity to present their solutions at the WSA Global Congress, mentorship, networking opportunities, workshops, and international visibility. The deadline to apply for WSA Young Innovators is 15 October 2026. Find out more
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — World Food Day Poster Contest (Age 5-19)
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FOA) calls on children and teens from all over the world (ages 5 to 19) to use their imagination and create a poster. “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.” shows us how innovation can help feed the world, protect the planet, and build a better future for everyone. Winners will be promoted by FAO offices around the world and receive a surprise gift bag. Entries have to be submitted by 06 November 2026. Submit a poster